〜さん
さん
suffix
Mr., Ms., Mrs.
1.
Mr., Ms., Mrs., Miss
A polite title suffix attached to names, similar to 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' in English.
患者さんを診る。
I examine the patient.
さん can be added to occupation words like 患者 for politeness.
田中さんはいらっしゃいますか。
Is Mr./Ms. Tanaka here?
お医者さんに相談してください。
Please consult a doctor.
Often combined with お〜 prefix for added politeness.
〜さん is the most common honorific suffix in Japanese.
USAGE:
- Attached to family names: 田中さん
- Attached to given names: 太郎さん
- Attached to occupations: 運転手さん (driver)
- Attached to roles: 患者さん (patient), お客さん (customer)
OTHER HONORIFIC SUFFIXES:
- 〜様: more formal/respectful
- 〜くん: for males (often younger/subordinate)
- 〜ちゃん: affectionate, for children/close friends
- 〜先生: for teachers, doctors, etc.