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.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for gathering here today.
Specifically addresses attendees at an event. More formal and event-specific than 皆様 alone.
Ladies and gentlemen, the show will begin shortly.
Used at formal ceremonies, banquets, or seated events. Very polite and somewhat literary.
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.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
To get the attention of a group in a less formal setting, such as a meeting, classroom, or social gathering.
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.
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.
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.
Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your support.
Gentlemen, please line up on the right; ladies, on the left.