선생님 (seon-saeng-nim, seonsaengnim) · 스승님 (seu-seung-nim, seuseungnim)
선생님 is a general term for teachers, while 스승님 conveys deeper respect and a mentor-like role, used for special admiration.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A respectful term for someone who teaches students in schools or academies
When to use
school teacher, academy instructor, casual conversation, formal address
The nuance
Used mainly to address teachers in everyday educational settings; a formal and general honorific.
A respectful term for a mentor or teacher who imparts life lessons or wisdom, expressing deep admiration
When to use
life mentor, traditional art master, expression of deep respect, Teacher's Day
The nuance
Used to honor someone beyond a simple teacher, such as a life mentor or a person with great influence.
우리 학교 선생님은 친절하세요.
u-ri hak-gyo seon-saeng-nim-eun chin-jeol-ha-se-yo., u ri hak gyo seon saeng nim eun chin jeol ha se yo.
Appropriate for referring to a regular school teacher.
우리 학교 스승님은 친절하세요.
u-ri hak-gyo seu-seung-nim-eun chin-jeol-ha-se-yo., u ri hak gyo seu seung nim eun chin jeol ha se yo.
'스승님' is an overly respectful term for an ordinary school teacher; use '선생님' instead.
저는 인생의 스승님을 만났습니다.
jeo-neun in-saeng-ui seu-seung-nim-eul man-nass-seup-ni-da., jeo neun in saeng ui seu seung nim eul man nass seup ni da.
Correct use of '스승님' to express respect for a life mentor.
저는 인생의 선생님을 만났습니다.
jeo-neun in-saeng-ui seon-saeng-nim-eul man-nass-seup-ni-da., jeo neun in saeng ui seon saeng nim eul man nass seup ni da.
'선생님' lacks the deep respect implied for a life mentor; use '스승님'.
스승님의 가르침을 잊지 않겠습니다.
seu-seung-nim-ui ga-reu-chim-eul ij-ji an-gess-seup-ni-da., seu seung nim ui ga reu chim eul ij ji an gess seup ni da.
Appropriate phrase to show deep respect to a mentor.
선생님의 가르침을 잊지 않겠습니다.
seon-saeng-nim-ui ga-reu-chim-eul ij-ji an-gess-seup-ni-da., seon saeng nim ui ga reu chim eul ij ji an gess seup ni da.
Natural expression of respect towards a regular teacher.
스승님, 오늘 수업 준비가 잘 됐나요?
seu-seung-nim, o-neul su-eop jun-bi-ga jal dwaess-na-yo?, seu seung nim, o neul su eop jun bi ga jal dwaess na yo?
'스승님' is too formal for casual questions about class prep; use '선생님'.
선생님, 오늘 수업 준비가 잘 됐나요?
seon-saeng-nim, o-neul su-eop jun-bi-ga jal dwaess-na-yo?, seon saeng nim, o neul su eop jun bi ga jal dwaess na yo?
Appropriate way to ask a teacher about class preparation.
Which word is appropriate to express respect for a life mentor?
Which word is appropriate to address a regular school teacher?
What is the respectful term used on Teacher's Day to show deep admiration?
What does it mean?
