Translation
Mr, Ms (polite suffix after a name)
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Word origin
さん is a softened form of the older honorific さま (様). It attaches to names and job titles, and is never used for yourself.
- Origin
- Native Japanese (wago)
- Root
- 様
Examples
田中、。
Tanaka-san, konnichiwa.
Hello, Mr Tanaka.
山田。
Yamada-san wa sensei desu.
Ms Yamada is a teacher.
田中。
Tanaka-san wa ima doko desu ka.
Where is Mr Tanaka now?
Where this fits
Used in
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Japanese · Free printables
さん: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Japanese word "さん" (Mr, Ms (polite suffix after a name)): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 1, lesson 7: さん, です, 私 and 7 more words.