In Japanese, honorifics are very important for how people talk to each other. They help show politeness and respect. Some of the most common honorifics are "san," "kun," and "chan." Each one has a special meaning.

"San" (さん)

• Usage: This is the most flexible honorific. You can use it for anyone, no matter their gender or age. It’s like saying "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Ms." in English.
• Example: If someone's name is Tanaka, you would call them Tanaka-san (田中さん).

"Kun" (君)

• Usage: This is usually used for boys and younger men. It shows a friendly connection and can also be used by teachers or bosses when talking to younger people in schools or jobs.
• Example: If your friend’s name is Hiroshi, you might call him Hiroshi-kun (弘君) if you are close in age or a little older.

"Chan" (ちゃん)

• Usage: This honorific is sweet and is often used for girls, little kids, and pets. It shows warmth and suggests a friendly or close relationship.
• Example: If you are talking about a little girl named Yuki, you would lovingly call her Yuki-chan (雪ちゃん).

Summary

• "San": Polite and formal, can be used by anyone.
• "Kun": Casual, mostly for boys or younger males.
• "Chan": Friendly and cute, generally for girls or children.

Conclusion

Knowing when to use "san," "kun," and "chan" is key to showing respect when you talk in Japanese. Using the right honorific can help you build better relationships and shows you understand social rules. As you keep learning Japanese, try to use these honorifics to make your conversations even better!