Learn Japanese With Me!!!

Lesson 2- Honorifics

(Music: Hatsune Miku, Are You Still a Bit Skittish Today?)

Hello! Today's lesson is honorifics. If you don't know what honorifics are, they are suffixes to peoples names that show politeness and respect.

1. -san: Basically means "Mr.; Miss; Ms.; or Mrs." it's the all-purpose honorific and can be used in any situation when politeness is required.

2. -sama: This is one level higher than "-san" and is used with much repect. (sort of like princess in japanese: hime-sama!)

3. -dono: Means "Lord". It's even higher level than "-sama" and is for the utmost respect. (king, pope, leader, ect.)

4. -kun: Used at the end of boys' names to show closeness or familiarity. It's also sometimes used by men among friends, or when talking to someone younger or of a lower station.

5. -chan: Used to show closeness, mostly towards girls. It is also used for little boys, pets, and even among lovers. It's supposed to give a sense of childish cuteness.

6. Bozu: An informal name for a boy, similar to "kid" and "squirt".

7. Sempai/ Senpai: This is a name for a senior or someone older than you. It's mostly used in a school environment, but can be used in the workplace by a new employee.

8. Kohai: This is the opposite of Sempai and is for underclassmen or someone younger.

9. Sensei: This means "one who has come before," and is used for teachers, doctors, or masters of any profession or art.

10. -[blank]: This is very significant. You can only say just a person's name if you have the permission to do so. It is considered very intimate. Usually only familly, spouses, or very close friends can do this. If you say this without permission it can be very insulting. (known as yobisute)

Hope this lesson helps! Bye bye!!! -Avaron