1.
Mr., Mrs., Ms., Sir, Madam (very polite)
Honorific suffix showing high respect.
田中様ですか。
Are you Mr./Ms. Tanaka?
田中様、お電話です。
Mr./Ms. Tanaka, you have a phone call.
お客様がお待ちです。
The customer is waiting.
佐藤様にお伝えください。
Please convey this to Mr./Ms. Sato.
手紙を書く時は、名前に「様」をつけると丁寧です。
When writing a letter, adding 'sama' to the name is polite.
様 is a highly respectful honorific suffix, more formal than さん.
USAGE:
- After names: 田中様
- For customers: お客様
- In letters: 山田様へ
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- お疲れ様です: Thank you for your hard work
- ご苦労様: Thank you for your efforts
- お待たせ様: Sorry to have kept you waiting
- 神様: God
- 王様: king
POLITENESS SCALE:
様 > さん > 君/{ちゃん}
NOTE:
Never use for yourself or family members.