Translation guide
In Japanese, 'Mr' is not a standalone word but a title suffix attached to names. The most common equivalent is さん, used widely in polite contexts. Unlike English, Japanese often omits pronouns and uses names with titles for direct address.
The speaker wants to address or refer to a man politely, equivalent to English 'Mr'.
さん is the default polite title, used for both men and women. It attaches directly to the family or given name. It is neutral and safe in most situations.
田中さんはいますか？
Is Mr. Tanaka here?
鈴木さんに会いました。
I met Mr. Suzuki.
様 is a more formal and respectful title than さん. Used in business correspondence, customer service, or addressing someone of higher status. Can sound overly formal in casual settings.
山田様、お待たせいたしました。
Mr. Yamada, thank you for waiting.
氏 is a formal title used in writing, news, or legal documents. It is gender-neutral but often translates to 'Mr.' in English. Not used in direct address.
佐藤氏はその提案を拒否した。
Mr. Sato rejected the proposal.
The speaker wants to get someone's attention or address them directly, but using a title like 'Mr' is unnatural in Japanese.
In direct address, Japanese uses the person's name with an appropriate title (さん, 先生, etc.) or omits the name entirely if the context is clear. Using 'Mr' alone as a vocative is not possible.
すみません、田中さん。
Excuse me, Mr. Tanaka.
先生、質問があります。
Mr. (Teacher), I have a question.
The speaker needs to refer to a man whose name they don't know, similar to 'that Mr...' or 'a Mr...'.
Literally 'that man', used when pointing out or referring to an unknown man. It is neutral and polite enough for most situations.
あの男性に聞いてみてください。
Please ask that Mr. (that man) over there.
A polite way to say 'that gentleman' or 'that person'. 方 is a respectful term for a person. Suitable for formal situations.
そちらの方にお伝えください。
Please tell that Mr. (that gentleman).
In English, 'Mr' can be used alone as a form of address (e.g., 'Hey, Mr!'), but in Japanese, さん is never used by itself. It must be attached to a name or title.
お客さん、忘れ物ですよ。
Sir/Mr, you forgot something. (using お客さん for 'customer')
さん is the everyday polite title. 様 is highly respectful, used in formal letters, customer service, and addressing superiors. 氏 is mainly written and used in journalism or formal documents. For most learners, さん is sufficient.
In professional settings, Japanese often uses job titles like 先生 (teacher/doctor), 社長 (company president), or 部長 (department head) instead of a generic 'Mr'. This shows respect and acknowledges the person's role.
田中先生、おはようございます。
Good morning, Mr. Tanaka (if he is a teacher/doctor).
スミスさんはいません。
Mr. Smith is not here.
山田さんと話しました。
I spoke with Mr. Yamada.