Meaning

Primary

Formal Name Ender

Alternatives

Formal Name Title, Sama

Word Type

noun, suffix

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

You can add this onto the end of someone's name. It's probably too polite, to be honest, unless you're talking to one of your customers or something. It's good to know, but you're probably not going to use it much, despite seeing and hearing it fairly often.

Reading

さま
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the same as what you learned with the kanji.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 皆様

    everyone

    女王様

    the Queen

    本田様

    Mr. Honda

Context Sentences

コウイチ様は、何もかもが自分の思い通りにならないと気がすまないんですよ。

Koichi-sama can't stand it if everything isn't exactly the way he wants.

日本で手紙を送る時には相手の名前に様をつけないと失礼になります。

It would be rude if you don't attach the formal name ender, sama, to the recipient's name when you send letters in Japan.

トーフグのコウイチ様御一行九名様ですね。お席のご用意ができましたのでどうぞ。

Mr. Koichi from Tofugu, party of nine. Your table is ready.

Kanji Composition