Translation guide
A guide to using Japanese honorific suffixes, focusing on the most common and versatile suffix さん.
How do I say Mr./Ms. in Japanese?
Attach to the family name: 田中さん (Tanaka-san).
The learner wants to address or refer to someone politely in a general, neutral way, similar to Mr./Ms./Mrs. in English but used much more widely.
The most common honorific suffix. Attach to a person's family name or given name. It is polite and neutral, used for both men and women, and can be used in most social situations. Unlike English titles, it is not restricted to formal contexts and is used even among acquaintances.
Where is Mr./Ms. Tanaka?
Excuse me, is Mr./Ms. Yamada here?
The learner wants to address someone they know well but still maintain a basic level of politeness, often used with friends, classmates, or colleagues of equal status.
When attached to a given name, it is friendlier than using the family name but still polite. Common among adults who are not extremely close, or when addressing someone younger in a semi-formal setting.
Hanako, could you help me a bit?
Is Taro off today?
The learner wants to address someone by their role or occupation politely, such as a shopkeeper, teacher, or doctor.
Attach さん directly to the occupation noun. This is very common for service workers, professionals, and in customer interactions. It shows respect without needing to know the person's name.
I was seen by a doctor.
Driver, please turn right at the next intersection.
The learner wants to refer to animals, mascots, or even inanimate objects in a cute or personified way.
Adding さん to an animal's name or a mascot gives a friendly, personified feel. It can also be used humorously with objects. Common in casual speech and advertising.
Our cat Mike-san is sleeping on the sofa again.
Mr. Elephant, Mr. Elephant, your nose is long, isn't it?
The learner wants to write a letter or address an envelope politely.
The kanji form 様 is used in formal writing, especially on envelopes or in letters. It is more respectful than さん. In speech, it is sometimes used for very high respect or customer service.
Mr. Taro Tanaka (on an envelope)
The learner wants to know when NOT to use さん to avoid sounding self-important or rude.
Never use さん when referring to yourself or members of your own family/company when speaking to outsiders. Doing so sounds arrogant or childish. Use names without honorifics, or use humble forms.
Using さん for yourself or your in-group is a common learner mistake. It sounds like you are praising yourself.
I am Tanaka. (not 田中さんです)
My mother has been in your care. (not 母さん)
さん is the default polite suffix for adults and general use. くん is often used for boys or junior males in school/work settings, and can be used for girls in some formal contexts. ちゃん is an affectionate diminutive for children, close friends, or pets. Use さん when unsure.
Yamada-kun, come here a moment.
Hana-chan, it's snack time.
Learners often say 私は田中さんです to mean 'I am Mr. Tanaka.' This is incorrect and sounds comical. Simply say 田中です or 田中と申します (formal).
Good morning, Mr. Suzuki.
Is Ms. Sato here?
Dear customer, this way please.