Honorifics
Honorifics are a somewhat unique part of Japanese language. They are words attached to the end of a persons name to say something about their position relative to you. However there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding them.
Honorific Rules
Should be used by default
Should not be used with yourself
Should not usually use with animals or objects
Common Honorifics
- さま (sama) – “lord” “master”. Used for higher ranking people. Mostly used for guests and customers.
- さん (san) – “Mr/Ms.” Used for people of the same rank. Unlike English, this is the default. You must use it.
- (No honorific) – “My boy/girl/bro” Japanese people have to make a conscious choice to not use one. Reserved for close friends or intimate relations; even then it might be rude.
- くん (kun) -“boy” mainly used at work for lower ranking male employees. Used for male children.
- ちゃん (chan) “cutie” used with cute children, female children, and cute girls. Can be cringe if you mess up.
- どの (dono) – Old version of “san”.
- ども (domo) – Old, plural, condescending. Higher person to lower.