1.5 Name Suffixes

In Japanese, names are almost always followed by a suffix that reflects your relationship and level of respect toward the other person. Using no suffix at all (called 呼び捨て, yobisute) is reserved for very close friends and family — doing it with someone you just met would be rude.

One important rule: never attach a suffix to your own name.

さん

The default, safe suffix for anyone. Used with surnames and given names. Gender-neutral and appropriate in nearly all everyday situations — with strangers, colleagues, customers, teachers, and neighbours.

くん

Used toward boys, young men, or male subordinates. Also used by teachers when addressing male students. Sounds slightly informal.

ちゃん

Affectionate and casual. Used for young children of any gender, close female friends, and sometimes for pets or cute things. Using it with someone you are not close to can feel condescending.

先生 (せんせい)

Used for teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, and other experts. Functions both as an honorific suffix and as a standalone title. You would never use さん for your doctor or teacher.

様 (さま)

Very formal. Seen mainly in written communication, customer service, and formal letters. Rarely used in everyday spoken Japanese — さん covers most situations where 様 might seem tempting.

Which suffix to use