方々

• 読み: かたがた
• ローマ字: katagata
• 漢字の分解: 方 (kata) — person (polite), direction
• 発音: /ka.ta.ɡa.ta/

意味

People; persons. A polite plural form used to refer respectfully to a group of people.

A formal and respectful noun used as the plural of 方 (kata, polite word for person). More polite than 人々 (hitobito) and commonly used in speeches, announcements, and formal writing. Often preceded by a descriptor: 皆様方 (everyone), 先生方 (teachers), ご来場の方々 (visitors/attendees).

例文

1. ご来場の方々に感謝いたします。
2. ボランティアの方々が手伝ってくれた。
3. 地域の方々と交流するイベントがあった。

使い方ガイド

場面: speeches, announcements, formal writing

トーン: respectful

起源と歴史

From 方 (kata — person, direction) reduplicated as 方々. The kanji 方 originally depicted a plow or diverging paths. The polite 'person' meaning developed from its use as a direction/side reference.

文化的背景

時代: Classical

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal