Translation guide
How to address people in Japanese, including names, titles, pronouns, and omission strategies.
The learner wants to know how to call someone's name or title to get their attention or refer to them.
The default polite way to address someone. さん is a neutral honorific roughly equivalent to Mr./Ms. Use with given name or family name depending on relationship.
Mr./Ms. Tanaka, do you have a moment?
Sakura, you have a phone call.
For teachers, doctors, bosses, etc., use their title without a name. Common titles: 先生 (teacher/doctor), 社長 (company president), 部長 (department head).
Teacher, I have a question.
Only for close friends, family, or children. Dropping honorifics (呼び捨て) can be rude if used inappropriately.
Kenta, let's play!
The learner wants to get someone's attention without knowing or using their name.
Equivalent to 'Excuse me' to get a stranger's attention, e.g., a waiter or passerby.
Excuse me, where is the station?
The learner wants to address multiple people, such as in a speech or meeting.
The learner wants to use family or social role terms to address someone.
Within a family, use terms like お母さん (mom), お父さん (dad), お兄ちゃん (big brother), etc. Outside the family, use these terms for others' family members, but humble terms for your own.
Mom, look at this.
The learner wants to know how to address someone in written correspondence.
The standard formal honorific in written correspondence, equivalent to 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]'.
Dear Mr./Ms. Tanaka
The learner wants to know how to avoid using a name or pronoun when it might be rude or unnecessary.
In Japanese, the subject is often omitted when clear from context. Instead of 'you', just use the verb or context.
Would you like some coffee? (lit. Drink coffee?)
The word あなた (you) can sound rude, distant, or overly intimate depending on context. It is often safer to use the person's name with さん, their title, or omit the pronoun entirely. Use あなた only when you have no other choice, such as addressing an anonymous stranger in writing.
ちゃん is an affectionate honorific for children, close friends, or pets. くん is often used for boys or junior colleagues. Both are informal and imply closeness.
部長、お客様がお見えです。
Department head, a client is here to see you.
A hesitation sound used to politely get attention before speaking, similar to 'Um, excuse me'.
Um, may I have a moment?
Polite 'everyone'. Used in speeches, announcements, or addressing a group respectfully.
Good morning, everyone.
Very polite 'everyone'. Used in formal settings or customer service.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today.
Big brother, help me.
Standard polite way to address a customer or client.
Sir/Ma'am, are you looking for something?
Used in less formal emails or when you have a closer relationship.
Hi Sato-san
Polite ways to refer to 'you' in business contexts, meaning 'your side' or 'your company'.
How is your schedule?