Translation guide
In Japanese, male names are not translated from English but are often adapted to Japanese pronunciation using katakana. When referring to a male person, the name itself is used, often with an honorific suffix like さん (san) or くん (kun) depending on the relationship and context.
男性の名前
How do I say 'male name' in Japanese?
This is the literal translation of the phrase 'male name', but it is not used to address someone.
The learner wants to know how to say or write a male name in Japanese, or how to address a male person.
Foreign male names are typically written in katakana and pronounced with Japanese syllables. For example, 'John' becomes ジョン (Jon).
ジョンは私の友達です。
John is my friend.
さん is the default polite suffix for adults, while くん is often used for boys or male subordinates in informal settings. Using no suffix (yobisute) is only for very close relationships.
田中さんは先生です。
Mr. Tanaka is a teacher.
健太くん、こっちにおいで。
Kenta, come here.
In Japanese culture, it is common to address people by their family name plus さん, especially in professional contexts. Using a given name can be too familiar.
鈴木さん、お電話です。
Mr. Suzuki, you have a phone call.
In some informal written contexts like social media, English names may appear in the Latin alphabet, but when spoken, they are pronounced with Japanese phonetics.
Michaelが来週日本に来るんだ。
Michael is coming to Japan next week.
Avoid translating the meaning of a male name into Japanese. For example, if someone is named 'Hunter', do not call them 狩人 (kariudo). Use the phonetic adaptation ハンター (Hantā) instead.
ハンターさん、お元気ですか？
Hunter, how are you?
Use さん for most situations. Use くん for boys or male friends in casual settings. Avoid using no suffix unless you are very close to the person, as it can be rude.