Ways to Address People

Table of Contents

1. Are different honorifics necessary?
2. Formal honorifics
3. Familiar honorifics
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment

Q: Is it necessary to use different honorifics after a person’s name?

A: There are various Japanese honorifics, and their usage changes depending on the relationship with the person.

Formal honorifics

In formal settings or when showing respect, use “殿どの,” “様さま” and “さん” to pay respect.
Let’s look at the differences among these three.

The highest level of respect is shown with “殿どの,” followed by “様さま” and then “さん.”

[① 殿どの]

This was originally used among high-ranking individuals, such as nobility in ancient Japan.
Because of this, “殿どの” is still used as a very formal honorific in modern times.

However, it is rarely used in spoken language and is typically reserved for formal written documents, such as official records and certificates of commendation.

[② 様さま]

In comparison, “様さま” can be used in both spoken and written language.
The basic usage is “name＋様さま.” In Japan, it is also used when addressing customers with respect, hence “お客きゃく様さま” (honored customer).

[③ さん]

Lastly, there is “さん.” This is used in various situations, such as in companies or schools.
In Japan, it is not customary to address someone without an honorific when meeting them for the first time (e.g., company colleagues or classmates).
It is appropriate to use “さん” when addressing someone you meet for the first time.

[Example]
A：はじめまして。わたしは木村きむらまりです。
B：× 木村きむら／まり ですね。よろしく。
　 〇 木村きむらさん／まりさん ですね。よろしく。
A: Nice to meet you. I’m Mari Kimura.
B: × Kimura / Mari, right? Nice to meet you.
　〇 Kimura-san / Mari-san, right? Nice to meet you.

Additionally, while “さん” is a respectful way of addressing someone, using it for people who require a higher level of respect, such as customers, can be seen as rude.
Therefore, be cautious and avoid using “さん” in these situations.

[Example] (When calling customer)
△ お客きゃくさん ⇒ 〇 お客きゃく様さま

Familiar honorifics

[くん・ちゃん]

Regardless of whether they are adults or children, “くん” and “ちゃん” are often used for friends or people with whom you have a close relationship. In most cases, these honorifics are used with given names rather than surnames, with “くん” used for males and “ちゃん” used for females.

As mentioned earlier regarding “さん”—where it is used even for classmates when meeting someone for the first time—you might wonder when Japanese people start using “くん” and “ちゃん.”

This happens when the relationship becomes closer.
For Japanese people, calling someone by their given name signifies a very close relationship. Until that point, both adults and children tend to use “surname＋さん.”

[Exception　くん・ちゃん]

In newspapers and news broadcasts, “くん” and “ちゃん” are typically used for children, while “さん” or “さま” are used for adults.

Summary

• Formal honorifics are “殿どの,” “様さま,” and “さん.”
• Familiar honorifics are “くん” for men or boys, and “ちゃん” for women or girls.

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Comment for any questions!