Japanese Culture: A quick lesson on honorific titles, (-san, -chan, etc.)

These titles are attached to a persons name, much like the use of Mr. or Miss in English, the only difference is that these titles are attached at the end (ex. Reinie-Chan).

A Quick reference table
san san Most often used, this title is very polite and can be used with anyone. When in doubt, use san.
chan chan This title is used most often by and for children, it is also used by friends who are very close or who have grown up together. Siblings may use the affectionate chan title instead of the traditional titles. (ex. Kasumi o-nee-chan, instead of o-nee-san)
sama sa-ma This title is most polite and is most often used when speaking to a highly respected individual. Also, when writing a letter to someone it is customary to use sama.
kun kun This title is most often used with teenage boys... It's occasionally used with girls, but not as often. It can also be used in place of chan with boys who have grown up together.
sensee(i) sen-say This title is used with teachers, but can be used with a professional in any field.
sempai sem-pa-i A sempai is someone who is basically in the same general class as you, but socially superior. Highschool girls may use the sempai title when referring to an older student.

Note: Using no honorific title at all is considered very familiar and casual, using a family name alone is sometimes considered very rude, and should be avoided.


Honorific Titles: Family
Referring to your own (ex. watshi no haha)
my mother		 Referring to someone eleses (ex. anata no okaa-san)
your mother		 Addressing your own or someone elses (ex. Daichi nii-san) big brother Daichi
grandmother sohu obaa-san obaa-san
elder brother ani onii-san (o)nii-san
elder sister ane onee-san (o)nee-san
younger brother otouto otouto-san no title is needed
younger sister imouto imouto-san no title is needed
father chichi otou-san otou-san
mother haha okaa-san okaa-san
daughter musume ojou-san no title is needed
son musuko musuko-san no title is needed

Note (1): These titles are obviously used for members of the family, but they can also used by children when referring to someone they don't know. A child my use Obaa-san when speaking to an older woman, or doting younger students may refer to their semapi as Onee-san or Onii-san.
Note (2): Usually first names followed by an honorific title (-san) are used when non-family members are addressing your siblings or children.

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