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How to say 'Honorific' in Japanese | 状

Wondering how to say 'Honorific' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Honorific is 'Sama', written as 状 in Japanese.'Honorific' in hiragana is さま.

    word

    Meaning

    Honorific

    Reading

    さま

    sama

    Kanji

    Form, Condition

    Explanation

    The Japanese suffix '様 (さま)' is an honorific title used to show respect or politeness towards someone. It is more formal than the suffix 'さん' and is often used in formal settings, business contexts, or when addressing someone of higher status. For example: Thank you, Mr. Tanaka「田中様、ありがとうございます」(たなかさま、ありがとうございます). This is for you, esteemed guest「お客様、こちらです」(おきゃくさま、こちらです). It can also be used in written correspondence or on packages to show respect for the recipient. Note that '様' is not used for oneself or in casual conversations.

    Part Of Speech

    suffix

    Kanji JLPT

    N3

    Kanji Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1342

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Form, Condition

Words Related to Through the Kanji

These 5 Words contain the Kanji 状 as well.

  • word

    状態

    Meaning

    Condition

  • word

    状況

    Meaning

    Situation

  • word

    症状

    Meaning

    Symptom

  • word

    年賀状

    Meaning

    New years card

  • word

    現状

    Meaning

    Situation, Current

Learn the Word

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What does 'Sama' (状) mean?

'Sama' means 'Honorific' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.