Honorific suffix attached to a person's name or title. Used broadly in polite conversation, not limited by gender or marital status. Familiar but respectful.
See also: 様 (さま)
田中さんは今日お休みですか。
Is Mr./Ms. Tanaka off today?
お客さん、こちらへどうぞ。
This way, sir/ma'am.
politeness marker
Attached to some nouns or na-adjectives to add a polite tone, often in service contexts or when addressing customers. Not used with all nouns; common examples include お客さん, お医者さん, お巡りさん.
お医者さんに診てもらいました。
I was seen by the doctor.
お巡りさんに道を聞いた。
I asked the police officer for directions.
Has Mr. Tanaka already arrived?
This customer is a regular.
I had a doctor examine me.
殿 is a formal written suffix for official documents and letters, whereas さん is the everyday spoken and written honorific used casually among people.
さん is a casual, all-purpose polite suffix for anyone, whereas 女史 is a formal, journalistic title reserved for notable women.
さん is the everyday polite title used after someone's name, while 嬢 is a formal, old-fashioned counterpart used specifically for unmarried young women.
さん is the neutral, polite suffix used for adults and formal contexts, while ちゃん is its informal, affectionate counterpart used mainly for children, close friends, and family.