Japanese Forms of Address
A Beginners' Guide to the Intricacies of Personal Nouns
The Japanese language itself isn’t that hard to learn. It isn’t pitch-inflected like Chinese, and each word is pronounced phonetically, which makes the speaking part fairly easy. The fact that there aren’t articles, such as the or of, can be mildly confusing at first, but once a person gets used to not having to think of masculine or feminine for every noun they say, this aspect of the language is much appreciated.
The Ambiguous Parts of Japanese
The trouble comes when addressing people or objects: that is a very complex process. There are a variety of criteria a person must fit in order to be addressed a certain way, and the English language simply doesn’t have the depth to convey that. This is the reason English translations of manga have begun incorporating Japanese words. Here are a few basic forms of address that are most commonly used nowadays.
- Watashi
This is the basic “I,” and anyone can use it without seeming weird. It is the form of “I” that girls typically use, although hip girls typically drop the “w,” making it “atashi.”
- Boku
Another “I” noun, this one is mostly used by younger boys or men who are in a public situation and/or don’t wish to sound crude.
- Ore
This is a crude, incredibly slang version of “I,” and completely masculine. If a girl uses this to address herself, she is labeling herself as a tough, or someone who is definitely not a girly-girl.
- Anata
The standard way to say “you,” anata is not often used to address an individual. Japanese people generally call the person they’re speaking to by name. For instance, if asking their mother a question, like “where are you going?,” a Japanese person would use “okaa-san” (mother), not “anata.” Anata is used as a term of endearment between married or dating couples.
- Kimi
This form of “you” is generally used to address children. When addressing a younger person, or someone a person is fond of, it is taken as a cute, endearing form of address. Kimi can be used demeaningly though. If used in reference to a person’s skills, it can insinuate that that person is less skilled or less proficient.
- Omae
If a Japanese person wishes to be really rude, they would use this form of “you.” It’s the crudest version, and considered very disrespectful, particularly if used with a person of older or higher rank.
- Yarou
This tops even “omae” for crudity, and is usually translated as a curse word. Although it is a form of “you,” it is widely translated with the equivalence of “bastard.”
- Wari-wari
Somewhat outdated, this word is not used very frequently anymore. It can roughly be translated as “we.” Heads of corporations or businesses, or political leaders, might use this when addressing large groups of people.
How to Master These Language Intricacies
There is no shortcut to knowing which forms of address to use when. One simply has to go out and be immersed in Japanese culture, paying attention to which forms of address the Japanese use at which times, and who they are addressing. Is the person, older, younger, have a respected position, been with the company/team longer?
If it’s difficult to be in an everyday setting where Japanese is exclusively spoken, try finding a college class to sit in on, or join Japanese clubs in the vicinity. Watching Japanese movies is also extremely helpful, especially as the newer ones use current and commonly used language patterns. Even if it’s just children’s movies, this will still improve knowledge of when and how to use personal nouns!
Mount Fuji, Japan
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