How to Call “You” in Japanese?

Commonly Used “You” in Japan

In Japan, people commonly address each other through context and by omitting pronouns. This may seem unusual when translated into another language like English, but it is a natural aspect of the Japanese language.

In the instances where people do address each other, they do so by using the name, title or position of the other person. It is used by many Japanese in formal and informal conversations, depending on the context. Honorifics, such as “san” or “sama” are added after their names as a form of politeness and respect.

For example, if your name is John Canady, we call you “John san” or “Canady san.”

However, you may find many ways of “you” in Japanese manga and movies, so let me share common examples of “you” in Japanese.

Polite Ways to Say “You” in Japanese

貴方 （あなた）Anata /anata/

Found in textbooks, 貴方（あなた）is the most basic word for ‘you’. It is usually used by strangers who do not know the name or anything else of the person they are addressing.

It can also mean “darling” when used by wives to address their husbands. Because of that, it is inappropriate to call someone you know, such as your boss, 貴方.

諸君 （しょくん）Shokun /ʃjokun/

The term 諸君 translates to “you people”. It is a polite way of addressing a group of people, similar to “ladies and gentlemen”. However, it is typically used by a boss or leader. Therefore, unless you are considered a boss or leader within the group, it is best not to use this term when addressing others around you.

Casual Ways Say “You” in Japanese

君 （きみ） Kimi /kimi/

Sometimes used when addressing others, 君 can come across as condescending if used inappropriately. 君 is typically used by people of higher status when addressing those below them, such as adults to children and teachers to students. It can also be used to express romantic intimacy, as seen in 君の名は (Kimi no Na wa), a romantic anime. As such, it is also a word used by couples.

お前 （おまえ）Omae /omae/

In informal situations, it is common for friends to use the word お前 to address each other. However, it is considered rude to use this term when addressing someone outside of your social circle. Additionally, the term is also used by husbands as a masculine and romantic way to address their wives.

あんた Anta /anta/

A shortened form of 貴方, it is also considered less formal. Previously used to address people of a higher status, it is considered disrespectful today. Mostly used by women and people in a close social circle in informal conversations.

Rude Ways to Say “You” in Japanese

手前 （てめえ）Temee /temeː/

The word in question is considered impolite and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it can often be found in Japanese media such as manga and anime, where fictional characters use it to express anger in a less offensive manner than in real life.

己（おのれ）Onore /onoɾe/

Similar to 手前, it is mostly seen only in Japanese media used to curse at others. However, depending on context, onore can also mean ‘oneself’ or ‘myself’.

貴様 （きさま） Kisama /kisama/

Even though it used to be a respectful term, it is now considered very rude to address someone as 貴様 and is mostly only used in Japanese media. It is an extremely derogatory word, often used by fictional superior figures such as Kings.

For more about Japanese basic words, please visit “Japanese Basic Words 100”.

Japanese Basic Words 100

If you are interested in being a Samurai, please visit “How to Speak Like a Samurai”.

How to Speak Like a Samurai