Japanese Honorifics Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

-kun

This suffix is used at the end of boys' names to express familiarity or endearment. It is also used by men among friends, or when addressing someone younger or of a lower station.

-chan

This is to express endearment, mostly towards girls. It is also used for little boys, pets, and even among lovers.

-sama

This is one level higher than '-san' and is used to confer great respect.

Sempai/Senpai

<p>This title suggests that the addressee is one's senior in a group or organization, most often in a school setting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

-dono

<p>This comes from the word 'tono', which means 'lord.' It is an even higher level than '-sama' and confers utmost respect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bozu

<p>This is an informal way to refer to a boy, similar to the English terms 'kid' and 'squirt.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kohai

<p>This is the opposite of 'sempai' and is used toward underclassmen in school or newcomers in the workplace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sensei

<p>Literally meaning 'one who has come before,' this title is used for teachers, doctors, or masters of any profession of art.</p> Signup and view all the answers

-san

<p>This is the most common honorific and is equivalent to Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The lack of honorific means that the speaker has permission to address the person in a very intimate way, which is known as ______.

<p>yobisute</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Japanese Honorifics Overview

  • Honorifics are important in Japanese culture, conveying respect and relationship dynamics.

-kun

  • Used for boys’ names, indicating familiarity or endearment.
  • Commonly employed among male friends or towards younger individuals and those of lower status.

-chan

  • Expresses endearment, primarily for girls and small boys.
  • Also applicable to pets and used among romantic partners.

-sama

  • A highly respectful suffix, more elevated than "-san."
  • Conveys deep respect and honor towards the addressee.

Sempai/Senpai

  • Denotes a senior member in a group or educational setting.
  • Underclassmen address upperclassmen as "sempai."

-dono

  • Derived from "tono," meaning "lord," it signifies even greater respect than "-sama."
  • Used in very formal contexts.

Bozu

  • An informal term for a boy, akin to "kid" or "squirt" in English.
  • Often used casually among peers.

Kohai

  • Refers to juniors or newcomers in various settings, opposite of "sempai."
  • Indicates a lower status relative to the speaker.

Sensei

  • Literally means "one who has come before."
  • Used to address teachers, doctors, or masters in specific arts, indicating reverence for their expertise.

-san

  • The most common honorific, equivalent to Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs.
  • A neutral term indicating respect without additional intimacy.

Yobisute (無呼称)

  • Absence of an honorific implies permission for intimate addressing.
  • Reserved for family, spouses, or very close friends; can be gratifying if earned, but insulting if used prematurely.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Japanese honorifics with these flashcards. Each card highlights a specific suffix, its usage, and the nuances of addressing individuals in Japanese culture. Perfect for language learners looking to deepen their understanding.

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