〜さん

〜さん is the most common honorific suffix in Japanese.

Usage

• Attached to family names: 田中(たなか)さん
• Attached to given names: 太郎(たろう)さん
• Attached to occupations: 運転手(うんてんしゅ)さん (driver)
• Attached to roles: 患者(かんじゃ)さん (patient), お客(きゃく)さん (customer)

Other honorific suffixes

• 〜様(さま): more formal/respectful
• 〜くん: for males (often younger/subordinate)
• 〜ちゃん: affectionate, for children/close friends
• 〜先生(せんせい): for teachers, doctors, etc.