Translation guide
A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function. In Japanese, suffixes (接尾辞) are extremely common and attach to nouns, adjectives, or verb stems to form new words, express politeness, indicate plurality, or show respect. This guide covers how to express the concept of 'suffix' in Japanese, as well as common Japanese suffixes that English speakers may need to understand or use.
The learner wants to know the Japanese word for the grammatical concept of a suffix.
The standard linguistic term for suffix. Used in academic or technical contexts.
「〜さん」は日本語の接尾辞です。
"~san" is a Japanese suffix.
Also means suffix, but less common than 接尾辞. Sometimes used interchangeably.
この接尾語は名詞に付きます。
This suffix attaches to nouns.
The learner wants to refer to the ending part of a word, which may include inflectional endings, not just derivational suffixes.
Refers to the ending of a word, including conjugational endings. More general than 接尾辞.
動詞の語尾が変化する。
The ending of the verb changes.
The learner wants to understand and use typical Japanese suffixes attached to names or nouns referring to people.
Mr./Ms. Tanaka · teacher · doctor
Japanese uses suffixes like 〜さん, 〜様, 〜先生, etc., attached to names to show respect or relationship. These are not separate words but bound morphemes.
田中さんに会いました。
I met Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
山田先生は親切です。
Dr. Yamada is kind.
Suffix meaning 'person who does ~', similar to '-er' or '-ist' in English. Attaches to nouns or verb stems.
彼は医者です。
He is a doctor.
Suffix meaning 'person from ~' (nationality, origin).
私は日本人です。
I am Japanese.
The learner wants to know how suffixes can turn nouns into adjectives, verbs into nouns, etc.
-ness · -able · -tion
Turns nouns into na-adjectives, meaning '-like', '-ic', '-al'. Very productive.
それは経済的な問題です。
That is an economic problem.
Suffix meaning '-ization' or '-ify', turns nouns into suru-verbs meaning 'to make ~' or 'to become ~'.
この作業を自動化したい。
I want to automate this task.
Turns i-adjectives into nouns expressing degree or '-ness'. Similar to 〜み but more objective.
この山の高さはどのくらいですか。
How high is this mountain?
Suffix meaning '-ity', '-ness', or 'property of'. Often used in technical or formal contexts.
安全性を確認してください。
Please check the safety.
The learner wants to express plurality using suffixes, as Japanese usually does not mark plural.
friends · children · we
Attaches to nouns referring to people (or sometimes animals) to indicate a group. Not used for inanimate objects.
友達と映画を見た。
I watched a movie with my friends.
More formal or literary plural suffix, can be used for people or things. Often written in kanji.
彼等は学生です。
They are students.
Used specifically for children or young people, often in a humble or affectionate way.
うちの子供供は元気です。
Our children are energetic.
The learner wants to know about suffixes used with numbers to count objects.
three sheets of paper · two dogs
Japanese uses a wide variety of counter suffixes (助数詞) attached to numbers. The choice depends on the shape or type of object.
The loanword サフィックス is rarely used in Japanese. Use 接尾辞 or 語尾 instead.
In Japanese, suffixes like 〜さん or 〜的 are bound morphemes and cannot stand alone. They must attach to a noun or stem.