The most 7 common Japanese Honorifics | Included 6 exercises

Summary

This educational video introduces seven common Japanese honorifics: 'sama', 'senpai', 'kohai', 'sensei', 'san', 'chan', and 'kun', explaining their appropriate usage in various social contexts. It uses examples with hypothetical characters Mr. Hinata and Miss Nani to illustrate how to address people based on their age, relationship, or profession. The video offers practical tips for learners, including asking individuals how they prefer to be addressed if unsure, making it an informative guide for mastering Japanese honorifics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning Japanese honorifics is essential for communicating respectfully in various social contexts.
• 🏅 'Sama' is the most respectful honorific, typically used for customers, guests, or business partners.
• 🌟 'San' is the most versatile honorific, suitable for any person and situation, except family members.
• 👧 'Chan' is primarily used for females and children, indicating a more affectionate or casual tone.
• 👦 'Kun' is used for males and children, serving as the masculine counterpart to 'Chan'.
• 👨‍🏫 'Senpai' is an honorific for someone older or more experienced in a workplace, school, or team setting.
• 👶 'Kohai' is the reverse of 'Senpai', used for someone younger in the same contexts as 'Senpai'.
• 👩‍🏫 'Sensei' is reserved for teachers, doctors, politicians, lawyers, and individuals with specific skills or knowledge.
• 🤔 When unsure of which honorific to use, it's acceptable to ask the person directly how they prefer to be addressed.
• 📚 The script provides practical examples of using these honorifics in different social scenarios involving hypothetical characters Mr. Hinata and Miss Nani.
• 📺 The video aims to demystify the use of Japanese honorifics and encourages viewers to subscribe for more educational content.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is learning common Japanese honorifics and how to use them in different situations.

How many common Japanese honorifics are listed in the script?

Seven common Japanese honorifics are listed in the script: sama, senpai, kohai, sensei, chan, kun, and san.

What is the most respectful honorific mentioned in the script?

The most respectful honorific mentioned in the script is 'sama'.

Which honorific is described as the most useful for any situation and person?

The honorific 'san' is described as the most useful for any situation and person.

What is the primary use of 'chan' in the script?

'Chan' is primarily used for females and children.

Who is 'kun' mainly used for according to the script?

'Kun' is mainly used for males and children, as the opposite of 'chan'.

In what context is 'senpai' used in the script?

'Senpai' is used for someone older than you at a workplace, school, or in a team like a sports activity.

What is the opposite of 'senpai' and when is it used?

The opposite of 'senpai' is 'kohai', and it is used for someone younger than you at a workplace, school, or a club.

For whom is 'sensei' used in the script?

'Sensei' is used for a teacher, a doctor, politicians, and lawyers, or someone who has a specific skill.

What is the advice given in the script for when you are unsure of which honorific to use?

The advice given is to ask the person directly how you should address them, which means 'how can I call you?'

What are the two names used in the script to illustrate the use of honorifics?

The two names used in the script are 'Hinata' and 'Nami'.

What is the final tip given in the script for choosing the right honorifics?

The final tip is that if you don't know which honorific to use, you can just call them by their name after they tell you it's okay.