Japanese is considered one of the most difficult. And this applies not only to oral, but also to written language. You can often hear that the Japanese add suffixes when they turn to someone. They are selected depending on who the person communicates with. Below is the meaning of Japanese suffixes.
What are they needed for
They are added to the names, surnames and other words that indicate the interlocutor or the person in question. Suffixes in Japanese are needed in order to show the social relations between the interlocutors. They are selected depending on:
- from the character of the speaker;
- relationship to the interlocutor;
- social status;
- situations when communication takes place.
For Japanese, it is very important to observe the rules of courtesy. Therefore, you need to carefully select the name suffixes. Then you will show the person that you respect the culture and traditions of his country.
Diminutive
Among Japanese suffixes, there are diminutive. They are most often used when communicating with girls and children.
"Chan" (chan) - it is used when referring to an equal or lower social status person with whom close communication is established. To use it in relation to a person with whom you do not have a close relationship or who has the same social status is impolite. If a young man addresses a girl he does not meet in this way, then this is incorrect. If a girl says this to an unfamiliar guy - this is considered rudeness.
"Kun" (kun) - This Japanese suffix is similar to the word "comrade". It is used in relation to guys and men. It sounds more formal, but at the same time indicates that the interlocutors are friends. It is also used in relation to lower social status in informal communication.
There are also analogues of these suffixes in other Japanese dialects:
- “Yan” (yan) - in Kansai it is used as “chan” and “kun”;
- “Pen” (pyon) - this is how they refer to a boy (instead of “kun”);
- "Tti" (cchi) - children's version of "chan".
Diminutive suffixes can be used only when you are in a close relationship with a person or when communicating with children. In other situations, the interlocutors will consider such treatment as rude.
Neutral polite handling
There are in Japanese suffixes and those that are analogous to the treatment by name and patronymic. It is considered neutral-polite, and it is widely used in all areas of life. This is the suffix "san", it is added in a conversation between people who occupy the same social position, younger to older. Also, it is often used when communicating with unfamiliar people.
But there is a peculiarity: in Japan, women add the suffix "san" to all names except for children. But this does not imply its use as a polite "you." Modern Japanese girls use it as a polite, neutral supplement.
Respectful treatment
A very important component of communication with the Japanese is the observance of etiquette. Especially with those who have a higher social position. This is the Japanese suffix "sama" - using it you thereby show the highest degree of respect to the interlocutor. Its counterpart is "Sir / Madam", "Hon."
"Itself" must be used if you are writing a letter - regardless of the rank of the addressee. In colloquial speech it is used extremely rarely, only when the lower social ranks appeal to the higher. Or, if the younger ones are very respectful of their older comrade. It is also used by priests when they turn to deities, girls to a lover.
"San" is also the Japanese name suffix. It is used more often than "herself" and it indicates respect for the interlocutor. It is also used when referring to strangers and older relatives.
Appeal between elders and juniors
The main purpose of Japanese name suffixes is to show social differences between people in a polite manner.
"Senpai" - this addition is used by younger ones when communicating with elders. Especially often this appeal is used by younger students in relation to older comrades. It is not only a nominal suffix, but also a separate word, like "sensei".
“Kochai” - this suffix uses senpai when referring to a younger comrade. Often it is used in educational institutions. Also a separate word.
"Sensei" - this suffix is used when referring to teachers, doctors, writers and other famous and respected people in society. Indicates the speaker’s attitude to the person and his social status than the profession. It is also used as a separate word.
Other types of calls
There are also such nominal suffixes in Japanese that are used only in certain situations or they are outdated:
"Dono" - it is used extremely rarely and is considered an outdated treatment. Previously, samurai used to talk to each other so often. Indicates respect and approximately equal social status of the interlocutors. Dono is used in official and business correspondence. This suffix can be used by subordinates, referring to the relatives of the master. In this way they show respect or a higher social position.
“Ue” is also a rare obsolete suffix that is used in conversation when communicating with senior family members. It is not combined with names - they only indicate the situation in the family.
"Sensei" - this is how athletes are addressed.
“Zeki” - appeal to sumo wrestlers.
“C” - is used in official correspondence and rarely in official conversation when referring to strangers.
"Otaku" - this word means "a person who is very passionate about something." In Japan, it is indecent to call a person this word, because people associate it with sociophobia, too much enthusiasm. But this does not apply to situations when a person calls himself otaku. This is often called people who like anime culture.
When not using suffixes
It is possible to communicate in Japan without name suffixes if an adult addresses children, teenagers, in the conversation of friends. If a person does not use the suffix at all, then this is an indicator of bad manners. Some schoolchildren and students refer to each other by last name, but this is considered familiarity. In general, communication without suffixes is an indicator of close relationships. Therefore, be sure to consider this in a conversation with the inhabitants of the land of the Rising Sun.
There are Japanese counting suffixes:
- “Jin” - “one of”;
- “Tati” - “friends”;
- "Gumi" is a "team."
In Japan, all its inhabitants are distinguished by polite and respectful communication, especially with foreign guests. Even if there is a close relationship between people, do not talk too much. Therefore, if you want to chat with a Japanese, then be sure to use registered suffixes. With a stranger, use neutral-polite treatment, with others, select suffixes by social status. So you show the Japanese that you respect their traditions and show interest in their culture.