Chan, Sama, San, Kun, What Are Some Japanese Honorifics?

Young adults on the streets of Tokyo (Image by freepik)

When you watch anime or dramas, you may have heard someone being called followed by Chan, Sama, San, and Kun. These are Japanese honorifics.

The use of Japanese honorifics can be influenced by several factors such as relationships, status, and so on. Here is an explanation of Japanese honorifics.

Japanese Honorifics

The most common Japanese honorific in everyday use is San. You can use it with people you don't know very well, regardless of their gender, age, or social status.

The honorific Sama is more polite than San. This term is usually used for people of higher status or rank such as the Emperor's family, offenders, spectators or listeners, and so on.

The honorific Chan is usually used for young children or girls. It can also be used for friends and people you like. It is informal and familiar and has a cute and childish feel.

The honorific Kun is commonly used for young people or men. This term can also be used for friends and juniors. This term is informal and familiar.

There are other honorifics such as Sensei for teacher or expert, Senpai for senior, Kouhai for junior, Shachou for company head, and so on.

Use of Honorifics

Illustration of a man and a boy

Using honorifics for people you are talking to is a common practice among Japanese people. Honorifics are used after first names or family names. Honorifics are influenced by relationships, status, and so on.

There are times when someone does not use honorifics when talking about themselves and people in the Uchi group to the person they are talking to. Honorifics are also unnecessary if someone tells you not to.

The Japanese language is known for its complex honorific system. This system reflects not only social relationships, but also the level of formality in a conversation. One of the most important aspects of this system is the use of honorific suffixes that are added to a person’s name. While there are many suffixes, the four most commonly used are -chan, -sama, -san, and -kun. Understanding the differences and proper use of these four suffixes is essential to communicating effectively and politely in Japan.

-San (さん): Most Common and Versatile Use

-San is the most common and versatile honorific suffix in Japanese. Almost anyone can be addressed with -san, whether they are friends, colleagues, superiors, or strangers. It is a safe and polite choice in almost any situation, and shows general respect. There is no particular connotation attached to -san, making it suitable for use in a variety of contexts.

Examples of its use:

Tanaka-san (田中さん): To greet someone named Tanaka.

Sensei-san (先生さん): Although rarely used, this shows respect for a teacher or professor. Usually, simply using sensei is sufficient.

Doctor-san (医者さん): To address a doctor, although hakase (professor) or other professionally specific terms are more commonly used.

Although versatile, there are some exceptions:

Not used for self: You may not add -san to your own name.

Not used for immediate family members: You wouldn't call your mother or father -san.

-Kun (くん): For Boys, Close Friends, and Juniors

-Kun is used to show closeness and intimacy, but remains polite. Usually used for:

Boy: Adults often call boys with -kun.

Close friend: Close male or female friends can call each other -kun. However, keep in mind the context of closeness.

Junior: Superiors can use -kun to address younger male subordinates.

The use of -kun for adult women is very rare and can even be considered rude, except in certain very close contexts. Therefore, it is better to avoid using -kun for women.

Examples of its use:

Tarou-kun (太郎くん): To call a boy named Tarou.

Ken-kun (健くん): To call a male friend named Ken.

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Uses to avoid:

For older people: Using -kun for older people is considered rude.

For foreigners: It's best to avoid using -kun for people you don't know.

For adult women: Except in cases of very specific and long-standing closeness.

-Chan (ちゃん): For Children and Loved Ones

-Chan is a suffix that shows a very close feeling of affection and closeness. It is usually used for:

Children: Both men and women.

Loved ones: Partner, close friend, or family member.

Using -chan for adults who are not closely related is considered impolite, and can even be considered belittling.

Examples of its use:

Hanako-chan (花子ちゃん): To call a girl named Hanako.

Kenji-chan (健二ちゃん): To call a boy named Kenji.

(In conversations between close friends): Can be used to call each other -chan, indicating very closeness.

Uses to avoid:

For unknown adults: Using -chan for adults you don't know is highly inappropriate.

For older people: Very rude.

In a formal context: Not appropriate for use in the workplace or other formal situations.

-Sama (さま): Highest Rank of Honor

-Sama is the most formal honorific suffix and indicates the highest level of respect. It is usually used for:

Members of the imperial family: This is the most common and most appropriate usage.

Gods and Buddhas: Showing respect for sacred entities.

Important customers: In a business context, -sama is used to show high respect to a very important customer.

Highly respected person: In special situations, it can be used for highly respected people, such as important figures or people who have made great contributions.

Examples of its use:

Tenno Heika Sama (天皇陛下様): For the Emperor of Japan.

Buddha Sama (仏様): For Buddha.

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Rare and cautious use:

The use of -sama is very rare and requires caution. Incorrect use can be considered overbearing or overly respectful. -sama should only be used in absolutely appropriate situations.

Conclusion

Understanding the use of -san, -kun, -chan, and -sama is essential to communicating politely and effectively in Japanese. Choosing the right suffix shows respect and understanding of Japanese culture. While -san is the safest and most versatile choice, understanding the nuances of each suffix will help you interact with Japanese people more smoothly and build better relationships. Keep the context and your relationship to the person you are greeting in mind when choosing the right suffix. When in doubt, it is always better to choose -san than to risk using an inappropriate suffix.