In this record on learning to speak Japanese, I will illustrate the varied forms of address used in Japanese. Japanese forms of address can appear involved at first, but with a limited understanding and a limited practice, you'll learn when and how to use them properly.
Overview of Japanese Forms of Address
Japanese School Girls
Unlike English, where forms of address are relatively straightforward, the Japanese language has some different forms of address, and when and how they are used often depends upon the context of the situation. Let's take a look at each of these forms of address, and how and when they should be used.
-San
"-San" is the most common form of address used in Japan. "-San" is used to address someone in a polite, somewhat formal manner, and it could be called the "default" form of address in Japanese. You can never go too wrong addressing your counterpart using "-San." However, you should never address Yourself using "-San."
-Sama
"-Sama" is a much more formal and gentle form of address than "-San." "-Sama" is used to address or refer to persons of extremely elevated status, business clients from someone else company, or customers. It is also used in reference to persons of Japan's royal family. For example, Princess Masako is always referred to in the news as "Masako-Sama."
-Sensei
"-Sensei" is used not only to address or refer to teachers, but to doctors, lawyers, writers, artists, and other accomplished persons of learned status.
-Senpai
In Japan there is a clear group association of superiors and inferiors that is in play in every group situation. "-Senpai" is used to address a classic in a given group situation, but most generally in a school or work environment to address an older trainee or a senior worker who has taken that someone under their wing and mentored them.
-Kun
"-Kun" is a customary form of address primarily used for boys. "-Kun" can be used among boys, or by girls addressing or referring to "boys" they are at least somewhat close to. "-Kun" is also used within a business by a superior addressing subordinates within the company. In this case, "-Kun" is used for women as well as men.
-Chan
"-Chan" is a limited form of address used toward small children and other persons as a show of affection. Although most generally used by men to address girls, it can be used among close female friends, and even by a girl addressing her boyfriend.
As you come to be more customary with Japanese, you will begin to see how these forms of address are used within the language, and before long, you'll be able to use them yourself in the allowable group context!
studying to Speak Japanese - Forms of Address
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