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Japanese culture question

SaltBoy

SaltBoy

Diamond Member
I know a lot of Japanese folks like to put "san" at the end of somebody's name when referring to them. I think it's done out of respect, or something.

But I'm wondering, is it done only for men or is it done for women also?
 
It's a sign of respect, so both. You add "san" to someone's name when talking about someone who has higher status than you, or when you're being polite. It is more commonly used for men than women, but that's because Japanese culture is very male-dominant.
 
So you could get away with calling something asshat-san and get away with it because the 'san' would make it respectful?
 
If they're of a significant rank higher than you, then add -sama, or -sensei (that's designated for teachers, but the culture emphasizes education, so -sensei is acceptable if they're skilled craftsmen). Or you could add -kun -or -chan to kids (I think they may be sex specific, but not sure.

/thread (didn't I already do this? Why isn't it over? 😛)
 
Originally posted by: Queasy
So you could get away with calling something asshat-san and get away with it because the 'san' would make it respectful?
Click to expand...
No, that'd make it even more insulting. Not sure why exactly; probably akin to cynicism or sarcasm or something. Regardless, after saying something like that prepare to dodge a samurai sword. 😛
 
Originally posted by: yukichigai
Originally posted by: Queasy
So you could get away with calling something asshat-san and get away with it because the 'san' would make it respectful?
Click to expand...
No, that'd make it even more insulting. Not sure why exactly; probably akin to cynicism or sarcasm or something. Regardless, after saying something like that prepare to dodge a samurai sword. 😛
Click to expand...

Right. I carry a samurai sword with me everyday, 24/7 too. :roll:😛
 
You can use the suffix -san for men or women and it is the equivalent of Mr, Mrs, Miss, etc.

Usually if you're older, talking to a younger male, you could use -kun instead. It's a little less formal than using -san but for younger women, you'd still use -san.

Using -chan is even less formal and usually only among friends. It's usually used in conjunction with shortening the first or last name. . .

Ex: Salt-chan

Using -sama is the most polite form and is usually not spoken but written on the front of letters. If you were writing to a Mr. Smith, then on the front of the letter, you would address it to Smith-sama. But you wouldn't actually say it to someone's face - they'd feel embarrased.
 
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