Polite, honorific term used by staff to refer to a customer or visitor, especially in traditional shops, inns, or service establishments. Often used when addressing or announcing someone.
"Welcome, honored customer."
The clerk guided them, saying, "Customers, this way please."
Casual polite term for 'customer'. 御用の方 is more formal and honorific.
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling; honorific expression used in service contexts.
Kana spelling of the prefix 御; common in less formal writing or when avoiding kanji.
Phrase composed of 御用 (ごよう, 'business' or 'errand') + の (possessive particle) + 方 (かた, honorific 'person'), literally 'person of business'. Used to politely refer to a customer or visitor.