You have probably already heard people refer to themselves by using terms like -san, -chan, or -sensei. It is possible to use honorifics in the same way as “sir” and “ma’am” in English. It is not as straightforward as choosing one. The correct approach to using them should be understood. We can also classify chan and kun, using san and sama as examples.
Better to stay safe and use the family name of the person in doubt. Your interlocutor or another person in the conversation will use the suffix. People of higher status may drop their honorific titles in Japan, because the culture values hierarchy.
Honorific Japanese Titles San, Sama, Kun, Chan
San さん
This is one of the first honorifics on your list that you will learn. You can use it with anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or social status. It resembles “Sir/Madam” in terms of appearance. This suffix may also be added to business and company names.
San” is a gender-neutral Japanese term that means Mr., Mrs., and Ms. It may be more challenging than it seems to use Japanese honorific titles and to translate them.
Sama 様
In the context of business and clientele, sama is the respectful form of san, as it follows the person’s name or word that represents them. In addition, it has the characteristic of being a linguistic medium that can be used verbally or in writing, regardless of who is speaking to whom.
Businessmen and women alike use it all the time in their daily interactions. As of today, it is generally written in kanji rather than hiragana. Due to the slight impression it gives, hiragana is seldom used by business people except for those with close relationships.
Dono どの
Its respect level is below sama, and it roughly translates to “lord” or “master.”. It’s almost become a phrase of the past. Usually, it is used as a joke to exaggerate an individual’s age.
Kun くん
The word is typically used between men, as well as for addressing a peer or current name. This may also be used by men calling women or by women calling men. Compared to “san”, the level of respect is less.
Chan ちゃん
Words like this are extremely versatile. Children typically use their first name or a nickname after their first name. A woman with whom the speaker is intimately familiar. However, on top of that, they’re usually used by couples to call each other. Our favorites, such as idols, can also be given a cute name when you use it after their names.
Is Dono or Sama higher ?
One of the biggest challenges in learning Japanese is handling polite expressions correctly. Where does the difficulty come from? It can be very difficult to determine whether an individual is “superior” or “inferior” if the differences between these expressions are so subtle. The following information will help you.
It is important to follow the situation and the relationship with others when expressing politeness. Using a “sama*” is safe when calling someone in Japan. It’s the most polite and respectful thing to do. You can express yourself in this manner. If one wants to do business, write letters, or meet with customers or guests, one must use it until the relationship becomes intimate. Originally, this term referred to Dono “Daimyo” – the leader of the Samurai, so it implies tension. It is clear that this is no longer a polite expression and has become somewhat out of date. The word dono is usually used by senior or upper-level individuals (your boss, for example). From time to time, companies still call their employees “dono.”
In English, “Mr” or “Ms” are equivalent to “San” in Japanese. Immediately after the name of the person it should be added. All other expressions are exceptions compared to this. But it will give you a better understanding of the differences. Also, if you are considering working in Japan, you should learn the different honorifics (san, sama, kun, chan, dono).
Can you use kun for a girl?
The gender of a word can influence its meaning. Females are addressed as -kun instead of -chan, which implies childlike cuteness. In addition to addressing females formally, kun can also be used for very close relatives or friends. Women can be addressed as -kun without being insulted, and can also be addressed as respected, If a girl is referred to as -kun, it implies respect, kindness, and sweetness.
Can you use Chan for a boy?
Gender can influence the meaning of a word. A man is addressed as ‘chan’ rather than ‘kun’, conveying a childlike cuteness. Chan is also used to address very close friends and relatives. Addressing men as -chan is not insulting, and the same applies to respecting them. An intonation of -chan indicates respect, sweetness, and cuteness, or a request from a girl, trying to curry favor.
What is the highest Japanese honorific?
-sama is considered to be the most formal suffix. What does the Japanese word -さま (-sama) mean? The word -sama isn’t directly translated into English, but it carries a more respectful connotation. The term is used for high-ranking people (such as customers) or for those with high power. Customer service in Japan is very respectful. The store clerk will use your last name + -様 sama as long as you are a customer.
How do Japanese show respect
Ojiki (お辞儀) is a way of bowing in the Japanese language, and a cultural component of the country. It is customary to bow first to someone as a gesture of respect. It is also used to express gratitude or an apology. Sometimes we can see Japanese bowing or ojiki when the employee answers the phone from the boss. You should be able to see your boss during the phone conversation (even if he or she can’t see you)
It is possible to bow in various ways. In the first, close friends are greeted by a slow bow at a five-degree angle. Including people with lower social standing or rank that are the same age as the younger person. The second type is a 15-degree bow called ( Eshaku /会釈). This type of bow is slightly more formal and is used for greeting. acquaintance
As a third type, there is the full bow, called Keirei /敬礼, which is at a 30-degree angle. It is very formal to wear such a bow. An older person or your employer should be respected with this gesture.
