jackbassv
07-11-2004, 12:05 PM
This is the first part of an occasional series i'll do on Japanese culture to the newbies out there :)
In English the honorifics are ignored, with a few exceptions, or in formal situations.
In Japan, the use of Honorifics is very important, not just for politeness, but to show status within society :blink:
This is what confuses most Europeans and Americans <_<
Dono - This come from the word Tono, which means Lord. It's archaic, and only used for elder or respected figures.
Sama - Used for Superiors, as in Maria-sama ga Miteru (Lady Maria or the virgin Mary watches you). Hotel (Hoteru) staff will often refer to guests as -sama :)
San - This is the most common of the honorifics. It's the equivalent of Mr, Mrs or Miss. If in doubt, use San :D
Kun - This is used at the end of Boys names to show endearment. Sometimes used among male friends, it can also be used when addressing someone who's either younger or of lower rank.
Chan - This is used on Girls names to show affection :) It's also used with young boys, pets or even among lovers :D where it's confers a sense of cuteness :YES:
Bozu - This is an informal way of refering to a boy - Sort of like Kid or Brat.
Sempai - This suggests that the bearer of this suffix is senior to the speaker within the organisation. It's mostly used in school or college, but appears in business as well.
Kohai - The opposite of Sempai. Implies someone is junior to the speaker.
Sensei - Teacher, Doctor or any professional. Literally means one who has gone before
none - This is rarely mentioned in discussions on Honorifics. Just referring to someone by name implies that the two of you are very close; Family, lover, very close friend, etc. Yobisute as it's know, can be very pleasant when someone who has earned the intimacy starts referring to you without the honorific. But dropping the honorific when it hasn't been earned is impolite at best and an insult at worst :no: Sort of like calling your boss Mike :P
Well, if you have any questions, put your hand up first :lol:
Edit - 29-08-2004.
Added Bozu - A new one for me! Thanks Tsubasa Vol 2 :YES:
JBV
In English the honorifics are ignored, with a few exceptions, or in formal situations.
In Japan, the use of Honorifics is very important, not just for politeness, but to show status within society :blink:
This is what confuses most Europeans and Americans <_<
Dono - This come from the word Tono, which means Lord. It's archaic, and only used for elder or respected figures.
Sama - Used for Superiors, as in Maria-sama ga Miteru (Lady Maria or the virgin Mary watches you). Hotel (Hoteru) staff will often refer to guests as -sama :)
San - This is the most common of the honorifics. It's the equivalent of Mr, Mrs or Miss. If in doubt, use San :D
Kun - This is used at the end of Boys names to show endearment. Sometimes used among male friends, it can also be used when addressing someone who's either younger or of lower rank.
Chan - This is used on Girls names to show affection :) It's also used with young boys, pets or even among lovers :D where it's confers a sense of cuteness :YES:
Bozu - This is an informal way of refering to a boy - Sort of like Kid or Brat.
Sempai - This suggests that the bearer of this suffix is senior to the speaker within the organisation. It's mostly used in school or college, but appears in business as well.
Kohai - The opposite of Sempai. Implies someone is junior to the speaker.
Sensei - Teacher, Doctor or any professional. Literally means one who has gone before
none - This is rarely mentioned in discussions on Honorifics. Just referring to someone by name implies that the two of you are very close; Family, lover, very close friend, etc. Yobisute as it's know, can be very pleasant when someone who has earned the intimacy starts referring to you without the honorific. But dropping the honorific when it hasn't been earned is impolite at best and an insult at worst :no: Sort of like calling your boss Mike :P
Well, if you have any questions, put your hand up first :lol:
Edit - 29-08-2004.
Added Bozu - A new one for me! Thanks Tsubasa Vol 2 :YES:
JBV