JP 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Japanese Honorifics
Document Summary
Even if you don"t intend to learn much japanese, there are a few phrases that can help you to more easily navigate around the country. = i do not speak japanese: chikatetsu wa doku desu ka. One thing to note about japanese culture is its use of honorifics in addressing other individuals. As mentioned already, polite behavior is important in this culture, and honorifics are among the most important ways that you can show respect to others. San: the equivalent of calling someone miss or mister, this honorific is appropriate in most formal situations for example, if you are meeting someone for business. Sama: this honorific indicates the highest level of respect possible. Use this honorific when speaking with any individual on a much higher level than you. Chotto literally means a little, but it"s used to soften the expression in chotto sumimasen.
