Translation guide
A Japanese honorific suffix used for boys and young men, or in certain formal contexts. It conveys familiarity, endearment, or junior status.
To address or refer to a boy or young man in a friendly, familiar, or endearing way, similar to 'buddy' or 'pal' in English.
Attached to a boy's given name or full name. Used by friends, family, or superiors. Implies closeness or junior status.
太郎くん、元気？
Taro, how are you?
健太くんはサッカーが上手だね。
Kenta is good at soccer, isn't he?
Among very close friends or family, dropping the honorific can be natural, but it's more intimate and may sound rough if not appropriate.
太郎、遊ぼう！
Taro, let's play!
To address a junior colleague or subordinate in a workplace or formal group, regardless of gender, though more common for men.
Used by superiors to address junior staff, often with the family name. Can be used for women in some workplaces, but さん is more common.
田中くん、この書類をチェックして。
Tanaka, please check these documents.
A safer, gender-neutral honorific for colleagues when unsure about using くん. More polite and widely accepted.
田中さん、お疲れ様です。
Tanaka, thank you for your hard work.
To address a pet or a cute mascot/character in an endearing way, similar to 'little' or 'cute'.
To refer to a young man of samurai or noble class in historical settings, often translated as 'young master'.
Used in period dramas or literature to address a young lord or son of a noble family. Not used in modern everyday speech.
若君、お呼びでございます。
Young master, you are summoned.
Using くん for someone of higher status, older age, or in formal situations where さん is expected can be rude. When in doubt, use さん.
社長くん、おはようございます。
Good morning, President (incorrect).
くん is for boys/young men or junior colleagues (familiar/endearing). さん is the default polite honorific for anyone. ちゃん is for children, close friends, or cute things (more affectionate/feminine).
太郎くん (boy), 花子さん (girl/woman), 赤ちゃん (baby)
Taro-kun, Hanako-san, baby-chan
ねえ、ケンくん、待って！
Hey, Ken-kun, wait up!
鈴木くんがこのプロジェクトを担当しています。
Suzuki-kun is in charge of this project.