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名様 (めいさま) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

名めい様さま

Meanings

1

suffix, counter

counter for people (honorific)

honorific or respectful (sonkeigo)

Honorific counter used for people, especially in service contexts such as restaurant reservations, hotel bookings, and seating. Combines the counter 名 (めい) with the polite suffix 様 (さま).

See also: 名 (めい)

ご予よ約やくは何なん名めい様さまですか。
How many people is the reservation for?
お席せきは三さん名めい様さまでよろしいでしょうか。
Is a table for three people all right?

Kanji

名name, noted, distinguished
様Esq., way, manner

Similar words

名めい
名 is a standard counter for people, neutral in politeness. 名様 adds the honorific 様, making it explicitly polite and suitable for customer service.
人にん
人 is the most common counter for people, used in everyday situations. 名様 is more formal and respectful, typically used when addressing customers or guests.

Etymology

Compound of 名 (めい, counter for people) and 様 (さま, honorific suffix). The combination creates a polite counter used primarily in service industry contexts.