Translation guide
A formal address to a mixed-gender audience, commonly used to open speeches or announcements. In Japanese, the direct translation is rarely used in casual settings; instead, context-appropriate greetings or audience-specific terms are preferred.
To politely address a group of people in a formal setting, such as a speech, presentation, or announcement.
A respectful and common way to address an audience, equivalent to 'everyone' or 'ladies and gentlemen'. Suitable for formal speeches, announcements, and written addresses.
皆様、本日はお集まりいただきありがとうございます。
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for gathering here today.
Specifically addresses attendees at an event. More formal and event-specific than 皆様 alone.
ご来場の皆様、まもなく開演いたします。
Ladies and gentlemen, the show will begin shortly.
Used at formal ceremonies, banquets, or seated events. Very polite and somewhat literary.
ご列席の皆様、新郎新婦のご入場です。
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the bride and groom.
A direct translation of 'ladies and gentlemen', but sounds stiff and old-fashioned. Rarely used outside very formal, Western-style events or translations.
Avoid in everyday speech; it can sound unnatural or overly theatrical.
紳士淑女の皆様、ようこそお越しくださいました。
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
To get the attention of a group in a less formal setting, such as a meeting, classroom, or social gathering.
The standard polite way to say 'everyone'. Works in most semi-formal to casual situations.
皆さん、おはようございます。
Good morning, everyone.
A more emphatic and respectful version of 皆様, often used in speeches or formal letters.
To refer to or call out to a group that includes both men and women, such as colleagues or friends.
Instead of a generic 'ladies and gentlemen', use the appropriate term for the group: 社員の皆さん (employees), 生徒の皆さん (students), お客様 (customers), etc.
社員の皆さん、お疲れ様です。
Hello everyone (employees), thank you for your hard work.
Explicitly addresses men and women separately. Used only when gender distinction is necessary, such as in instructions or surveys.
Can sound awkward or overly segregating if used unnecessarily.
男性の皆さんは右側、女性の皆さんは左側にお並びください。
Gentlemen, please line up on the right; ladies, on the left.
The phrase '紳士淑女の皆様' is a direct translation but is rarely used naturally. It may sound like a dubbed movie or a parody. Stick to 皆様 or 皆さん for most situations.
In many casual situations, Japanese speakers simply start speaking without an explicit 'ladies and gentlemen'. A simple greeting like こんにちは or おはようございます is often enough.
皆様方のご支援に感謝申し上げます。
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your support.