方々(かたがた)

かたがた
noun
people, persons (respectful)
1. people, persons (respectful plural)
A respectful way to refer to multiple people; the plural form of 方 (かた).
皆様(みなさま)方(がた)
Everyone (very polite).
[Note: がた is a variant reading when attached to other nouns]
ご出席(しゅっせき)の方々(かたがた)
Those present; the attendees.
関係者(かんけいしゃ)の方々(かたがた)
Those involved; the parties concerned.
本日(ほんじつ)ご参加(さんか)いただきました方々(かたがた)に、心(こころ)より御礼(おんれい)申(もう)し上(あ)げます。
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated today.
被災(ひさい)された方々(かたがた)の一日(いちにち)も早(はや)い復興(ふっこう)をお祈(いの)りしております。
We pray for the earliest possible recovery of those affected by the disaster.

方々(かたがた) is the respectful plural of 方(かた) (person).

USAGE:

  • Used in formal speech and writing
  • Often in business, ceremonies, announcements
  • More respectful than 人(ひと)たち or 人々(ひとびと)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 皆様(みなさま)方(がた) (everyone, very polite)
  • 〜の方々(かたがた) (the people who ~)
  • ご参加(さんか)の方々(かたがた) (participants)

NOTE: 方々(ほうぼう) with different reading means 'various places'.

core
Added 2026.1.11 17:30 · Revised 2026.2.27 8:37
02500/02778_katagata