皆さん

• Reading: みなさん
• Romaji: minasan
• Kanji breakdown: 皆 (mina/kai) — all, everyone
• Pronunciation: /mi.na.saɴ/

Meaning

Everyone; everybody; all of you. A polite way to address a group.

The polite form of 皆 (mina). Used to address groups in speeches, classrooms, and announcements. Adding さん makes it respectful. In casual settings among friends, just 皆 (minna) or みんな is used instead.

Examples

1. 皆さん、おはようございます。 Good morning, everyone.
2. 皆さんはどこから来ましたか。 Where is everyone from?
3. 皆さんに会えてうれしいです。 I'm happy to meet all of you.

Usage Guide

Context: speeches, classroom, greetings

Tone: polite

Origin & History

From 皆 (mina, 'all/everyone') with the honorific suffix さん. The kanji 皆 depicts the idea of 'all together' — the components suggest comparison and grouping.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal