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Japanese Honorifics: Difference between revisions
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;''-sama''
: A term of great respect, one step higher than ''-san''. In fantasy or historical contexts, it's generally translated as lord/lady or a similar term, but since modern English really has no honorific expressing such extreme deference, Mr. or Ms. usually has to do. In situations where there isn't a massive gap in social status between the speaker and the person being addressed, the use of ''-sama'' can border on grovelling. However, it has some standard uses: it's a flattering way for a business to address its customers and clients; it's used when addressing letters to friends; and a young woman may playfully use it for a guy she has a massive crush on.
:* In rare cases, ''-sama'' can also be used sarcastically to indicate extreme ''dis''respect. The pejorative [[Japanese Pronouns|second-person pronoun]] ''kisama'' is written with kanji that mean something like "honored sir," but today the real meaning of the term is more along the lines of "you bastard." (In military parlance, it keeps its old respectful sense, which is an endless source of jokes among civilians.) Men who want to express over-the-top arrogance can attach ''-sama'' to the macho and aggressive first person pronoun ''ore'' and refer to themselves as ''ore-sama'', something like "my magnificent self."
;''-dono''
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;''-chan''
: A general term of endearment with overtones of intense cuteness, most frequently used for (and between) girls, but also applicable to pets, small children regardless of gender, friends, lovers. Making it part of a nickname is even more so, and is done primarily for little kids, [[Kawaiiko]] teen girls, close friends (regardless of gender), or lovers (for whom it is especially intimate). Sometimes translated as 'little'; for example, '[[Witch Hunter Robin|Robin-chan]]' becoming 'little Robin', sometimes translated as "-baby" (as in [[Ranma ½|Kuno-baby]]). Literally speaking, it's the diminutive -- a cultural equivalent to calling your friend "Jimmy" instead of just plain Jim. Technically speaking, it's what would properly be termed the ''affectionate'' diminutive. However, as the "Kuno-baby" example shows, it can also be used as a ''derisive'' diminutive, depending upon context and tone.
:* "-chan" is generally considered informal, except for "bocchan" which is a polite way to address or refer to someone's young son. (It can also refer to a wealthy young man of high social standing, roughly the equivalent of "young master".)
;''-chin''
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;''-me''
: A derogatory honorific, used when you refer to people you're a) pissed at, b) deem despicable/inferior. Not as common in real life as anime and manga would have you believe, and it's usually used jokingly or sarcastically.
:* Adding "-me" to your own name or a first person pronoun has a self-humbling effect.
;''-gozen''
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