Common questions

Do you use SAN with first or last name?

Do you use SAN with first or last name?

In Japanese business settings, people usually call each other by their last names plus the suffix –san. In more conservative companies, people are often addressed by their titles rather than their names, such as bucho-san for a department head. Seldom would first names be used in business in Japan.

Is it polite to call Japanese san?

“San,” “kun,” and “chan” are added to the ends of names and occupation titles to convey varying degrees of intimacy and respect in the Japanese language. They are used very often and it is considered impolite if you use the terms incorrectly.

What do San and Chan mean?

Using “San” expresses one’s caring for others. Therefore, it is recommended to use “San” in any type of situations. “Kun(君)” is usually used for boys, especially the younger ones. On the contrary, “Chan” is for girls.

Is san in Japanese formal?

Although the closest analog in English are the honorifics “Mr.”, “Miss”, “Ms.”, or “Mrs.”, -san is almost universally added to a person’s name; -san can be used in formal and informal contexts, regardless of the person’s gender.

Do Japanese Add SAN to first or last name?

As a rule of thumb, in Japanese business life, the surname name is always followed by the honorific suffix “san” (meaning “dear” or actually “honorable Mr/Ms.”). There are of course many other options such as “sama” (highly revered customer or company manager) or “sensei” (Dr. or professor).

Why do Japanese say Moshi Moshi?

In short, magical foxes (called kitsune in Japan) are powerful and nasty creatures. They can shapeshift, create illusions, and love to screw people over. So if a malevolent kitsune were calling you on the phone, it would be bad news. That’s why Japanese people started to say “moshi moshi” when answering the telephone.

Why do Japanese Add SAN?

It’s a suffix meant to show respect, so it often works like “Mr.” or “Ms.” would in English. But –san can be tacked onto a given name too, as a way of showing courtesy when speaking to or about someone.

Why do Japanese say San after a name?

As a rule of thumb, in Japanese business life, the surname name is always followed by the honorific suffix “san” (meaning “dear” or actually “honorable Mr/Ms.”).

Can Chan be used for guys?

Honorifics are gender neutral, but some are used more for one gender than the other. Kun, for example, is used more for males while chan is for females. Honorifics are generally required when referring to someone, but sometimes they must be dropped altogether.

Why do Japanese say San after your name?

Why do Japanese say hello twice?

‘Moshi Moshi’ is an abbreviation of ‘Mosu Mosu’ (the Japanese verb ‘to speak’). Ghosts have a long history in Japanese culture – they are called 妖怪 (youkai). According to the historian, saying ‘Moshi Moshi’ twice was the way to prove you were not a ghost. Apparently ghosts can only say ‘Moshi’ once!

What does Moshi Moshi desu mean?

So “moshi moshi ” is really a polite, humble way of saying “speaking, speaking” or “I say, I say”. Moshi moshi is not only used on the telephone. It can also be used to call someone’s attention in person. Kind of like saying “Is anyone home?” when someone doesn’t seem to be listening.

What should I know about Japanese business etiquette?

10 Japanese Business Etiquette Rules Wait Before Sitting Down. When visiting someone else’s office, wait until the host says “Please, have a seat,” before sitting down. Seating Arrangements By Rank. Japanese society is often concerned with relative status in social relationships. Take Off Your Coat Before Entering a Building. Learn Formal Greetings & Closings for Business Correspondence.

What does etiquette mean in Japanese?

Etiquette in Japan form common societal expectations of social behavior practiced throughout the nation of Japan and is highly esteemed. Like many social cultures, etiquette varies greatly depending on one’s status relative to the person in question.

What is the difference between san, sama, Kun and Chan?

Sama is a respectful term, that’s what you’d use on a teacher or someone with power. Kun and San are the same, kun is masculine and SAN is feminine, used when you meet someone or when you’re friends with someone but doesn’t have much intimacy. Chan is a feminine term, most used when there’s some intimacy between people.

What is the proper business etiquette in Japan?

Japanese business letter salutations and conclusions are paired together based on the length and level of formality of the document. Beginning the business letter with “Dear Sir” and ending it with “Sincerely” is proper general Japanese business etiquette. The Japanese pairing for this is “haikei” (the salutation) and “keigu” (the conclusion).