In Japanese, you usually add an addressing suffix to someone’s name. These suffixes can be added to both family names and given names.
- 鈴木さん (すずきさん)
- 一郎さん (いちろうさん)
- 鈴木一朗さん (すずきいちろうさん)
“さん” is respectful, most common and acceptable in most social occasions.
“様” is very respectful but typically only used in writing, or addressing customers in rather formal settings (high-end hotels, restaurants, etc.) only.
Also note that job titles will be used to address someone, instead of these suffixes, if you know what them. Refer to the article on personal pronoun “you” as well.
“ちゃん” is a suffix of endearment, and often added to an abbreviated name.
- 浩史 (ひろし : a boy name) -> ひろちゃん
- 良子 (よしこ : a girl name) -> よっちゃん
- 山本 (やまもと : a family name) -> やまもっちゃん、やまちゃん
Calling someone’s name without these suffixes is called “呼び捨て“, and is extremely rude toward your seniors and/or some you don’t know well. It is allowed only for family members, close friends (family names among males, and given names among females) or someone who is senior in social status.
- おい鈴木、一杯飲みに行こうぜ -> Hey Suzuki, let’s go have a drink (among male friends)
- 陽子、ちょっと聞いてよ -> Listen to this, Yoko (among female friends)
- 鈴木、今日中に報告書を出せよ -> Suzuki, give me the report by the end of the day (usually a senior male talking to a junior male)
- 知子、こっちおいで -> Tomoko, come here (typically from a father to his own child. Mothers will usually add “ちゃん”)