Translation and Meaning of: 様 - sama

The Japanese word 様[さま] is one of the most versatile and culturally rich terms in the language. If you've ever watched anime, dramas, or even tried to learn Japanese, you've probably come across it in different contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as understand how this small word carries so much weight in Japanese communication.

In addition to being a common honorific suffix, 様 has nuances that reflect hierarchy, respect, and even affection. Its use ranges from formal ceremonies to everyday interactions, and understanding its applications can be the key to sounding more natural when speaking Japanese. Let's uncover all this below, with real examples and useful tips for language learners.

Meaning and usage of 様

様 is a honorific suffix that demonstrates a high level of respect, often used to address customers, superiors, or people of high status. Unlike さん, which is more casual, 様 carries an almost reverential formality. You will find it in stores, official letters, and even in titles of nobility, such as お姫様 (princess).

An interesting detail is that, although it is predominantly a marker of respect, 様 can also express admiration or affection in certain informal contexts. For example, fans of Japanese idols often call their idols with 様 to show devotion. This duality between formality and affection makes it a unique term in the language.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The etymology of 様 dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when the Japanese imperial court began to adopt more elaborate honorific titles. Originally written as 様々, the term had a sense of "diversity" or "variety," but over time, its use specialized to indicate status and reverence. The kanji 様 by itself already carries the idea of "form" or "appearance," which reinforces its connection to social representation.

With the modernization of Japan, 様 has remained one of the most important honorifics, especially in business and diplomatic contexts. Companies still use it to address customers (お客様), and even in the digital world, it is common to see formal emails ending with 様 to maintain protocol. Its resilience over the centuries proves its cultural relevance.

Tips for using 様 correctly

To avoid blunders, remember that 様 should not be used with your own name or in excessively casual situations. It is reserved for figures of authority, customers, or situations that require extreme politeness. A common mistake among learners is to use it with close friends, which can sound artificial or even ironic.

A practical tip for memorizing its use is to associate it with formal environments: if you are in a fancy restaurant, dealing with a boss, or writing a professional email, 様 will likely be the appropriate choice. In everyday conversations, さん or even addressing the person without an honorific can be more natural. Observing how natives use the word in dramas and movies also helps internalize these nuances.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 方 (kata) - Form, way, person (respectful title)
• 人 (hito) - Person
• さん (san) - Common honorific used to refer to someone respectfully
• 氏 (shi) - Used to indicate surname or as an honorific for men
• 御 (go) - Honorific prefix used to show respect
• 殿 (dono) - Used as a respectful title for men, it also assists with jobs or status.
• 夫人 (fujin) - Wife (respectful title)
• 嬢 (jou) - Young daughter, used as a respectful title for young women.
• 女史 (joshi) - Used for women with an academic or professional title
• 民 (tami) - People, nation
• 客 (kyaku) - Guest, client
• お方 (okata) - Respectful way to refer to someone
• お嬢さん (ojousan) - Miss (a respectful way to refer to a young woman)
• お客様 (okyakusama) - Client (extremely respectful title)
• お殿様 (odenosama) - Lord (high respect, connotes noble status)
• お御方 (omikata) - Respectable person
• お氏 (oshi) - Respectful way to refer to someone's surname
• ご夫人 (gofujin) - Mrs. (respectful form for wives)
• ご嬢さん (gojousan) - Respectful way to refer to a young woman
• ご氏 (goshi) - Respectful way to refer to someone's surname
• ご主人 (goshujin) - Husband (respectful title)
• ご客様 (gokyakusama) - Client (very respectful)
• ご殿様 (godenosama) - Sir, noble (a title of very high respect)
• ご御方 (gomikata) - Respectable person
• ご覧 (goran) - Viewed (respectful form to see or observe)
• ご本人 (gohonin) - The person themselves (shows respect)
• ご本人様 (gohoninsama) - The person themselves (extremely respectful)
• お覧 (oran) - Respectful way to see or observe
• お本人 (ohonjin) - The person themselves (respectful)
• お本人様 (ohoninsama) - The person themselves (extremely respectful)
• お名前 (onamae) - Name (respectful form)
• お名前様 (onamae-sama) - Name (highly respectful form)
• ご名前 (gonamae) - Name (respectful form)
• ご名前様 (gonamae-sama) - Name (highly respectful form)

様

Romaji: sama
Kana: さま
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Mr. or Mrs.

Meaning in English: Mr. or Mrs.;manner;kind;appearance

Definition: An honorific title used to represent an individual or group.

Example Sentences - (様) sama

See below some example sentences:

複合施設は多様な楽しみ方ができる。

Fukugō shisetsu wa tayōna tanoshimikata ga dekiru

Complex facilities offer various ways to enjoy.

Complex installations can enjoy various ways.

• 複合施設 (fukugou shisetsu) - complex installation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 多様な (tayou na) - diverse, varied
• 楽しみ方 (tanoshimi kata) - ways to have fun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• できる (dekiru) - Be able to

多様性は豊かさの源です。

Tayousei wa yutakasa no minamoto desu

Diversity is the source of wealth.

Diversity is a source of wealth.

• 多様性 (たようせい) - diversity
• は - Topic particle
• 豊かさ (ゆたかさ) - wealth, abundance
• の - Possessive particle
• 源 (みなもと) - source, origin
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この書類は正式な様式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa seishiki na yōshiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in an official format.

Submit this document in a formal style.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正式な - adjective meaning "formal" or "official"
• 様式 - noun meaning "shape" or "style"
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 提出して - verb meaning "to hand over" or "to submit"
• ください - expression indicating a request or request

この問題の様相がますます深刻になっています。

Kono mondai no yousou ga masumasu shinkoku ni natteimasu

The situation of this problem is becoming increasingly severe.

The appearance of this problem is becoming increasingly serious.

• この - this
• 問題 - problem
• の - of
• 様相 - aspect
• が - (subject particle)
• ますます - increasingly
• 深刻 - seriously
• に - (adverbial particle)
• なっています - is becoming

ご苦労様です。

Gokurousama desu

It means "Thank you for your hard work." It is a common expression used to thank someone for their effort or work done.

Thank you for your hard work.

• ご - Japanese honorific prefix
• 苦労 - hard work, difficulty
• 様 - Japanese honorific suffix
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

アジアは多様な文化が混ざり合う素晴らしい大陸です。

Ájia wa tayou na bunka ga mazari au subarashii tairiku desu

Asia is a wonderful continent where diverse cultures blend together.

Asia is a wonderful continent where a variety of cultures blend together.

• アジア (Ajia) - Asia
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 多様な (tayouna) - diverse, varied
• 文化 (bunka) - culture
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 混ざり合う (mazariawau) - to mix, to combine
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - wonderful, splendid
• 大陸 (tairiku) - continent
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

お客様は神様です。

Okyakusama wa kamisama desu

The customer is like a god.

Customer is God.

• お客様 - "Okyakusama", which means "customer" in Japanese.
• は - "wa", a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 神様 - "Kamisama", which means "god" or "deity" in Japanese.
• です - "desu", a polite way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese.

お宮には神様がいます。

Omiai ni wa kamisama ga imasu

In the sanctuary there is a God.

There is a god in the sanctuary.

• お宮 - a shinto shrine
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 神様 - Shinto gods or spirits
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• います - verb that indicates the existence of something or someone

お蔭様で無事に試験に合格しました。

O kage sama de mujitsu ni shiken ni goukaku shimashita

Thank God

Thanks to you, I passed the exam with confidence.

• お蔭様で - "Thank God"
• 無事に - "no problem"
• 試験に - "on the exam"
• 合格しました - "passed"

この製品の仕様は非常に高いです。

Kono seihin no shiyō wa hijō ni takai desu

The specifications of this product are very high.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• の - of
• 仕様 - specifications
• は - is
• 非常に - extremely
• 高い - high
• です - is (polite way of putting it)