Saturday, September 6, 2008

Japanese honorifics

kun: at the end of a boys first or last name (familiar)
chan: at the end of a girl's, pet's, or small child's name (familiar)
senpai: at the end of an upperclassman's last name (polite)
san: say it to an adult or someone you have just met (polite)
sama: upperclassman; also used by fangirls when talking about the object or person of their adoration
sensei: to respect professionals, like teachers, doctors, and mangaka
You can go without saying anything at the end of their name, but only is used in family, lovers, or close friends. If you say nothing before anything like that is acquired, then it is very impolite.

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