Understanding Japanese Honorifics: A Comprehensive Guide

For the Japanese, respect is everything. Communication format, vocabulary, and behavior can all change depending on the interlocutor. To emphasize social status, the degree of respect, or closeness, native speakers use suffixes – Japanese honorifics. But how do we distinguish and use them? Let's figure it out!

San, Chan, Kun, Sama: The Basics of Japanese Honorifics

You may hear these four suffixes most often: their popularity in Japanese pop culture has made them recognizable even in Western countries. Their use depends on the context: age, setting, rank, etc. Let's consider them in more detail:

• San (さん). What does san mean in Japanese? This is a universal suffix for addressing in both formal and informal settings. Most often, it is used as a variation of the English “sir,” but you can add “san” to the names of your peers if you do not know each other well, to your friends’ parents, and so on.
• Chan (ちゃん). It is used in two cases: as a diminutive for younger people or when addressing a close young girl – a friend, daughter, or sister. The suffix “chan” adds a touch of tenderness and care, something like “cat" and “kitty.”
• Kun (くん). This suffix is ​​applied to boys and young men to express informality. Kun's meaning can be used between friends of both sexes or when addressing a younger man.
• Sama (様) expresses the highest degree of respect. For example, the head of a university, a company, and politicians are all referred to with this suffix. Service workers also use this suffix when talking to customers to emphasize their deep respect for them. The Japanese say “sama” when addressing deities, for example, “Kami-sama” (神様). 

Usually, suffixes are used when directly addressing a person and talking about them. For example, if you want to say, “I had lunch with Sakura today,” you get “今日はさくらちゃんと昼ご飯を食べました” (Kyō wa Sakura-chan to hirugohan o tabemashita) with the “chan” meaning Japanese girl. 

Keigo: The Art of Formal Japanese

Did you think that’s it? We weren't kidding when we told you about the importance of respect in Japan. Native speakers use a system of formal speech, which includes forms of address, modified verbs, and different levels of respectful conversation. They are divided into three categories:

• Sonkeigo (尊敬語) – “honorable speech.” One of the highest forms of conversation with a “sama” meaning superior or the rules for mentioning them in a conversation. It is characterized by the transformation of verbs to highlight high status. For example, “taberu” (食べる) – “to be” turns into “messhagaru” (召し上がる).
• Kenjogo (謙譲語) – “modest speech.” The Japanese are real attention seekers :) The language system has rules so you can speak about yourself modestly, downplaying your merits in front of the “sama,” meaning Japanese “master.” It turns out that you show respect to the interlocutor at your own expense. For example, instead of “suru” (する) – “to do,” they say “itasu” (いたす).
• Teineigo (丁寧語) – “polite speech.” This is the simplest and most casual option: you just need to show respect to the interlocutor. Unlike other forms, you do not need to change the verbs here: most often, the Japanese just use the endings “des” or “mas.” For example, the usual verb “to speak” – “hanasu” (話す) is transformed into “hanashimasu” (話します).

Which form should you start practicing first? Since you are unfamiliar with the native culture of Japan, it will take time to recognize and correctly use polite speech. Start simple: listen and practice in Teineigo and remember every honorific meaning because it is the universal option for everyday chatting or tourism.

1

Examples of Honorifics in Everyday Conversations

This amount of information seems difficult to digest. But we have a universal way out of this situation – practice! The more you hear, read, and learn new words, the faster you will get used to the peculiarities of Japanese and will be able to distribute honorific elements intuitively.

Have you watched Naruto? Notice that the Toad Sage referred to Jiraiya with the suffix “chan?” That’s because Jiraiya was his student, whom he loved and valued, and even Naruto was surprised by the suffix chosen for such a strong ninja. It all depends on the context!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Of course, making mistakes is normal. On the contrary, working on them improves your learning process, making it more individual. But there are points that many students slow down on. Let's look at a few of them:

• Don't overdo it with “sama”. What does sama mean in Japanese? Again, let's go back to Naruto. There, “sama” is only the Hokage or a few of the strongest ninjas. Moreover, do not use it for yourself since people may consider it arrogant.
• Maintain a balance of Keigo. Of course, you need to be respectful and polite around business partners, teachers, or superiors. However, in an informal setting, Keigo can get in the way of getting closer to other people.
• Try to use fewer honorifics with friends. If you communicate with Japanese people, try to notice what suffixes they use for you. It will be weird if one of your friends says “chan” when you refer to them with “san,” Japanese used for a more formal setting. 

Give yourself time: listen more, practice more. Do not chase the result “here and now” – this is your path. Every mistake is a new experience, so do not be afraid to start over or correct yourself.

Learn New Languages with Promova

Do you still think it is challenging to find a language-learning teacher? Modern education allows you to dictate the rules. The Promova language learning app has everything you were looking for:

• Flexibility. Study at a convenient time, allocating 15 minutes or more for daily lessons.
• Versatility. Improve grammar or vocabulary: We create lessons for different purposes and levels.
• Effectiveness. Interactive quizzes, practical tasks, and exciting presentations of the material will speed up your progress and make you return to Japanese lessons repeatedly.

Try Promova from all sides. We offer more than ten languages ​​to learn, including English, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, and so on. You can start with a free version or study with a paid subscription – both options will give results!

Conclusion

Japanese culture is high-context, which forces speakers to rely on the background of the conversation with honorifics in Japanese. Respectful addresses and dialogues are an essential part of the culture. The foreigner is not expected to use suffixes and forms ideally, but the Japanese are happy to know their culture is appreciated. Now you know more about “what does kun mean in Japanese.” We hope this information inspired you to practice!