For example
from the gazettE
Kai Kun
Reita chan etc
What does it all mean?
name-kun = used mostly for boys to show familiarity or in the workplace to show a senior vs. subordinate relationship (the person in the lower position would be kun)
name-chan = used (mostly) for girls to make their names cutesy (ie rin-chan), or for very young girls
There are others like:
name-san = mr./ms. or just used as a sign of respect
name-sensei = used for teachers or people doing the instructing
name-sama = a sign of respect, often used for those in high places
name-dono = like sama, but shows much more humility on the part of the person using it
name-senpai = senior
name-kohai = underclassman
name-kun = used mostly for boys to show familiarity or in the workplace to show a senior vs. subordinate relationship (the person in the lower position would be kun)
name-chan = used (mostly) for girls to make their names cutesy (ie rin-chan), or for very young girls
There are others like:
name-san = mr./ms. or just used as a sign of respect
name-sensei = used for teachers or people doing the instructing
name-sama = a sign of respect, often used for those in high places
name-dono = like sama, but shows much more humility on the part of the person using it
name-senpai = senior
name-kohai = underclassman
References :
Yeah, what YU said.
Just add a little bit, when kids are little boys are called with chan too.
Especially by moms.
And IDK why but my husband was called Kevin chan by lots of people….it just stuck.
Those were good example by YU, but name-kohai is not used , they usually don’t use any of it.
Just the name.(yobisute)
References :
In English we tend to add a y sound to children’s names to signify they are younger and more immature than us.
John–Johnny
Susan–Susie
David–Davy
Ann–Annie etc..
In Japan you use kun for younger males and chan for younger females. The interesting thing is even when you both grow up, you still sometimes call them kun and chan, especially if you are close or family memebers. Your relationship to each other doesn’t change.
References :