さん

Reading

Kana: さん

Romaji: san

Definitions

suf

1

Mr.; Mrs.; Miss; Ms.; -san

Note: after a person's name (or position, etc.)

Note: honorific or respectful (sonkeigo) language; familiar language

See also: 様 (reading さま, entry #1)

2

makes words more polite (usu. in fixed expressions)

Note: usu. after a noun or na-adjective prefixed with お- or ご-

Note: polite (teineigo) language

See also: ご苦労さん

Example Sentences

妹(いもうと)さんは元気(げんき)？

➥How's your sister?

酸(さん)は金属(きんぞく)を侵(おか)す。

➥Acids act on metals.

皆(みな)さんお静(しず)かに。

➥Please be quiet, everybody.

お母(かあ)さんはどこ。

➥Where is mother?

皆(みな)さんはお元気(げんき)？

➥How is everyone?

皆(みな)さんおはよう。

➥Good morning, everybody.