Japanese Name Suffixes: Not Just “-san”! Real-Life Usage Explained

Written by: miyabi, mom of two boys and Japanese language enthusiast

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably heard of common name suffixes like -san, -kun, and -chan.
But did you know there are more? And even within these, the usage can differ depending on age, gender, setting, and relationship.

In this post, I’ll explain how these suffixes are actually used in daily life in Japan, including in my own experience raising two young sons.

1. -san（さん / san） — Polite and Universal

This is the most common and neutral suffix. It can be used for men, women, children, and even strangers.

Example: Tanaka-san（田中さん / たなか さん / tanaka-san）
I use “-san” for most people in everyday life and work, especially adults.
In companies, we often use “-san” for coworkers or use their job titles like 部長（ぶちょう / buchō） or 課長（かちょう / kachō）.

2. -kun（くん / kun） — Mostly for Boys or Junior Males

“-kun” is mainly used for boys or young men.
In preschool (幼稚園 / ようちえん / yōchien), boys are usually called 〇〇くん, and girls are called 〇〇ちゃん.
I sometimes use “-kun” when calling my sons. In Japan, it’s normal to either use “-kun”, “-chan”, or even call your own child without any suffix.

At work, I sometimes use “-kun” for younger male coworkers who are new or feel like little brothers to me.

3. -chan（ちゃん / chan） — Cute and Friendly

“-chan” is a cute and affectionate suffix, mostly for girls, young children, or pets.
I use “-chan” when talking to or about my sons’ female friends.
Adults who are close (especially women) may use “-chan” for each other too.

4. Changing Trends in Schools

Recently, many schools in Japan are starting to use “-san” for all students, regardless of gender, to promote equality.
So you might hear both boys and girls being called “-san” at school today.

5. -sama（様 / さま / sama） — Very Polite, Formal

“-sama” is a respectful suffix often used in formal writing or customer service.

Example: Yamada-sama（山田様 / やまだ さま / yamada-sama）
In business emails or letters, I often use “-sama”.
In spoken language, we sometimes switch between “-san” and “-sama” depending on the level of formality.
For example, salespeople usually say “-sama” to customers, while healthcare professionals may say “-san” to patients.

6. Sensei（先生 / せんせい / sensei） — For Professionals & Teachers

This suffix is used for teachers, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals.

Example: Suzuki-sensei（鈴木先生 / すずき せんせい / suzuki-sensei）

7. -shi（氏 / し / shi） — Formal & Written Style

“-shi” is used in formal writing such as news reports or official documents.
It’s rarely used in spoken language.

Example: Satō-shi（佐藤氏 / さとう し / satō-shi）

8. -dono（殿 / どの / dono） — Historical or Ceremonial Use

Here’s a special one! The suffix “殿” is read as “dono（どの）” when used with a name — not “tono（との）” as you might expect!

Example: Oda Nobunaga-dono（織田信長殿 / おだ のぶなが どの / oda nobunaga-dono）
Nowadays, we rarely use “-dono” in conversation.
However, it still appears in traditional settings, such as certificates or formal awards (表彰状 / ひょうしょうじょう / hyōshōjō).
Its continued use is probably because of tradition and its grand, old-fashioned feel — like something from a samurai drama.

9. Senpai（先輩 / せんぱい / senpai） — Older Students or Mentors

When I was a student, I used “-senpai” all the time!
In companies, though, it depends on the workplace.
In mine, we usually just say “-san” instead of “-senpai”.

10. Nickname-style suffixes

In casual or youth culture, you’ll sometimes hear playful suffixes like:
-tan（たん）, -rin（りん）, -pyon（ぴょん）
Example: Yukipyon（ゆきぴょん）
These are only for very close friends, fans, or online culture.

Summary: Learn Japanese Suffixes Naturally

Understanding how to use name suffixes like “-san”, “-chan”, or “-sama” can help you sound more natural in Japanese.
They reflect not just language, but relationships, hierarchy, and culture.
Try listening carefully to how people use them in anime, dramas, or real conversations.