If you’ve ever had a crush on someone older than you, or you’re an avid otaku (anime fan), you know the hopeful pain of wanting to be noticed by your senpai. Although the Japanese word has been around longer than your favorite manga, it has a specific meaning in the meme world that resonates with every lovelorn kōhai out there.
Notice Me, Senpai
Senpai (先輩) means “upperclassman” or “someone older,” and typically describes a person just a few years older than you. A senpai is not a teacher or someone significantly older (that’s sensei). If you have a senpai, then you’re a kōhai (後輩), an “underclassman” or “protégé.”
The popularity of senpai comes from the oft-repeated anime phrase “I wish senpai would notice me,” in which someone (usually shy) pines for the attention of an older person (usually aloof). It became a meme in 2012 and has gotten more popular in the years since. As a meme, “Notice me, senpai” can refer to anyone whose attention you want, but who isn’t paying attention to you now. Remember that cute senior you had a crush on when you were a junior in high school? Senpai.
When Should You Use the Meme?
A wistful “I wish senpai would notice me” might just get that attention you think you want, or it could just be an expression of unrequited love. Drop a #noticemesenpai or a custom-made “Notice me, senpai” meme in these online and IRL situations:
your favorite musician posts something cute on social media
a cute coworker asks your advice about someone they have a crush on (who isn’t you)
your best friend’s hot older sibling treats you like a kid
your celebrity crush asks for opinions from their followers
you pair up with a more experienced gamer who seems kind of annoyed that you’re tagging along
you enter an online contest and post in the comment section, hoping to be chosen
you’re paired with an attractive upperclassman in a project
Senpai Doesn’t Necessarily Mean ‘Crush’ in Japan
Despite what anime and memes would have you believe, the word senpai is not synonymous with “crush.” In Japan, senpai simply refers more to a more experienced person in any situation, including:
a student in a grade or two higher than you
a work colleague who has been there for a long time
an older sibling who could teach you a few things about life
the captain of your sports team
a teacher’s assistant who’s only a year or two older than you
a tutor who helps you with a school subject
In these cases, senpai is just a helpful mentor who knows more than you (although you can still want them to notice you).
Senpai Will Definitely Notice You Now
Improving your vocabulary is the best way to get senpai to notice you — trust us. Add more anime and Japanese words to your vocabulary with: