How to say "mentor" in Japanese

• 恩師おんしCommon
  nounCovers 'mentor' in the sense of a respected former teacher to whom one owes a debt of gratitude; a respectful term for looking back on a teacher from one's student days who guided you.
  私は恩師おんしの世話せわでこの仕事しごとに就ついた。↗

  I got this job with my teacher's help.
• 指導者しどうしゃCommon
  nounCovers 'mentor' in the sense of an instructor or guide — someone who leads and trains others, as a coach does. It names the guiding role itself and carries no nuance of personal gratitude.
  アンは彼かれらの指導者しどうしゃであると言いわれている。↗

  Ann is said to be their leader.

Use 恩師 for a mentor in the sense of a respected former teacher one feels gratitude toward, and 指導者 for a mentor as a leader, guide, or coach who instructs and trains others.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 恩師おんしteacher (to whom one owes a debt of gratitude)
• 指導者しどうしゃleader
• 師しteacher
• メンターmentor
• 庇護者ひごしゃguardian