Japanese titles used after names

  To address people suffixes such as ~San, ~Kun, ~Chan are used in Japanese. These titles are mainly used with surnames. One may call others just by their names if they have close relationships with each other. Let's learn with whom these titles can be used.

1) ~さん San: ( Satou San)

It is the most commonly used way of addressing people, irrespective of their gender. It can be used in most situations. This suffix is added after the name of the person. It is equivalent to Mr. / Ms. or Mr. / Mrs etc.

Japanese people never address others just by their name, they use "San" which shows respect. 

2) ~様 Sama: (Satou Sama)

It is a more polite form of san & it is the most honorific word that is commonly used towards customers, guests & divine Gods. 

Examples, Okyaku-sama (customers), Kami-sama (God)

 

3) ~くん Kun: (Satou-kun)

It is an informal title used for boys and men who are younger than

you. This is used to address those of junior status. 

4) ~ちゃん Chan: (Satou-chan)

It is an informal title used for young children (girls and boys) and close friends or family members. Chan is used in cases where people know each other for a long time. 

5) ~先生 Sensei: (Satou-sensei)

Sensei refers to those who are in the field of education.

It is commonly used for Teachers, as its real meaning is a teacher.

One may use it for Doctors, Artists, and so on.

6) ~先輩 Senpai: (Satou-senpai)　

Senpai means a senior who is more experienced. It is normally used for your seniors at the workplace, college or University & even clubs, etc. Senpai is used even without attaching a person's name. 

7) ~博士 Hakase: (Satou-hakase)

Hakase is addressed to people who are highly experts in academics.

In English, it refers to a person who has done a Ph.D. 

For instance- Satou Hakase (Professor / Dr Satou) 

8) ~殿 Dono:(Satou-dono)

Dono was the commonly used suffix in the Edo era, equivalent to the “san”. Nowadays it is mainly used in mails.

9) ~氏 Shi (Satou-shi)

Shi is used like Mr./Mrs. For the third person. It is generally used in a written language, such as emails, etc. It is an honorific suffix.