Kōhai

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Kōhai ( Jap.後輩) is the Japanese term for someone who is entered for a self in an organization. At the university, a freshman for a third semester is a Kōhai. The term is used in schools, universities, companies and sports clubs: wherever there is a hierarchical group organization. The term is also used in martial arts outside of Japan.

The counterpart to the Kōhai is the Senpai . The duration of membership has priority over age, a 22-year-old freshman would still be the cohort of a 19-year-old third semester.

The task of the Senpai is to give the newcomers orientation and advice and to act as role models. The senpai is also expected to pay if you go out for a drink. On the other hand, the kōhai is expected to show respect to the senpai. In sports clubs this sometimes goes so far that the Kōhai has to obey every word, and borders on deliberate harassment.

In contrast to the Senpai, Kōhai is not a person of respect and the term Kōhai is used to describe a hierarchical relationship to third parties, but not as a salutation . Use -kun or -san instead .