Japanese is considered one of the most difficult languages. And this applies not only to speech, but also to writing. You can often hear that the Japanese add suffixes when addressing someone. They are selected depending on who the person communicates with. Below is the meaning of Japanese suffixes.
What are they for
They are added to names, surnames and other words that designate the interlocutor or the person in question. Suffixes in Japanese are needed to show social relationships between interlocutors. They are chosen depending on:
- on the nature of the speaker;
- relationship to the interlocutor;
- social status;
- situations where communication occurs.
It is very important for the Japanese to follow the rules of politeness. Therefore, you need to carefully select nominal suffixes. Then you will show the person that you respect the culture and traditions of his country.
Diminutives
Among Japanese suffixes there are also diminutives. They are most often used in communication.with girls and children.
"Chan" (chan) - it is used referring to a person of equal or lower social status with whom close communication has been established. It is impolite to use it in relation to a person with whom you do not have a close enough relationship or who has the same social status. If a young man turns like that to a girl with whom he does not meet, then this is incorrect. If a girl says this to an unfamiliar guy, it is considered rude.
"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 those lower in 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 the boy (instead of "kun");
- "tti" (cchi) is a children's version of "chan".
Diminutive suffixes can only be used when you and a person are in a close relationship or when communicating with children. In other situations, interlocutors will consider such treatment as rude.
Neutral-polite address
There are Japanese suffixes that are analogous to addressing by name and patronymic. It is considered neutral-polite, and it is widely used in all walks of life. This is the suffix "san", it is added toconversation between people occupying the same social position, younger to older. It is also 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 that doesn't mean using it as a polite "You." Modern Japanese girls use it as a polite-neutral addition.
Respectful treatment
A very important component of communication with the Japanese is the observance of etiquette. Especially with those who occupy a higher social position. This is the Japanese suffix "sama" - using it you thereby show the highest degree of respect for the interlocutor. Its counterpart is "sir/lady", "honorable".
"Sama" is mandatory to use if you are writing a letter - regardless of the rank of the addressee. In colloquial speech, it is used extremely rarely, only when lower social ranks are addressed to higher ones. 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 their lover.
"San" is also a Japanese noun suffix. It is used more often than "itself" and it indicates respect for the interlocutor. It is also used when addressing strangers and older relatives.
Appeal between seniors and juniors
The main purpose of Japanese noun suffixes is to show social differences between people in a polite way.
Sempai isthe addition is used by the younger when communicating with the 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".
"Kohai" - This suffix is used by sempai when referring to a younger comrade. It is often used in educational institutions. Also a single word.
"Sensei" - This suffix is used when referring to teachers, doctors, writers and other well-known and respected people in society. Indicates the attitude of the speaker to the person and his social status, rather than the profession. It is also used as a separate word.
Other types of appeals
There are also nominal suffixes in Japanese that are used only in certain situations or are obsolete:
"Dono" - it is used extremely rarely and is considered obsolete. Previously, samurai used to address 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 also 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 older family members. It is not combined with names - they only indicate the position in the family.
"Senshu" is how athletes are referred to.
Zeki is a reference to sumo wrestlers.
"C" - used in official correspondence and rarely in official conversation when referring to strangers.
"Otaku" is a word that 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 social phobia, too much enthusiasm. But this does not apply to situations where a person calls himself "otaku". Often referred to as people who enjoy anime culture.
When suffixes are not used
You can communicate in Japan without nominal suffixes if an adult refers to children, teenagers, in a conversation with friends. If a person does not use the suffix at all, then this is an indicator of bad manners. Some schoolchildren and students address each other by their last names, but this is considered familiarity. In general, communication without suffixes is an indicator of close relationships. Therefore, be sure to take this into account when talking with the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun.
There are also Japanese counting suffixes:
- "jin" - "one of";
- "tati" - "friends";
- "gumi" - "team".
In Japan, all its inhabitants are distinguished by polite and respectful communication, especially with foreign guests. Even if the relationship between people is close, you should not be too familiar. Therefore, if you want to communicate with a Japanese, be sure to use nominal suffixes. With an unfamiliar person, use a neutral-polite address, with others, select suffixes according to social status. This is how you show the Japanese that you respecttheir traditions and show interest in their culture.
