様

• Reading: さま
• Romaji: sama
• Kanji breakdown: 様 (yō/sama) — manner, form, Mr./Mrs.
• Pronunciation: /sa.ma/

Meaning

Mr., Mrs., Ms.; a very polite honorific suffix added to names. More formal than さん.

The most common formal honorific suffix in Japanese, used after names to show deep respect. It is standard in business correspondence, customer service, and formal speech. Also used in set phrases like お客様 (okyakusama, customer) and 神様 (kamisama, God). Written on letters and envelopes after the recipient's name.

Examples

1. 山田様、お電話です。 Mr. Yamada, you have a phone call.
2. お客様はこちらへどうぞ。 Valued customer, please come this way.
3. 田中様からお手紙が届きました。 A letter has arrived from Mr. Tanaka.

Usage Guide

Context: business, customer service, formal letters, polite speech

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From the kanji 様 meaning form or appearance, which evolved into an honorific title. Used since the medieval period as a respectful form of address.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal