This is since the implied superiority of the guest or customer is very strong. Formal Japanese can be confusing and complex, please take a look at our guide on Japanese Keigo Formal Japanese to learn the proper way of speaking in formal Japanese.
Once again, you should always keep in mind the implied hierarchy of a title. Kun is used by a person of a higher status towards a younger male or a child. Friends can also refer to each other by kun in a casual context and women can use it to address a man to whom they are very close. Chan, the childish version of san, refers to children and girls. Like for kun, friends and lovers can also address each other with this honorific. Surprisingly, there are some strange and wonderful exception to chan, as it can be used to refer to an endearing adult.
Among the most famous examples, you will find Arnold Schwarzenegger, called Shuwa chan. Fun fact! Chan is also frequently used to refer to cute animals and in particular, cats! One common mistake Japanese learners make is referring to themselves with an honorific title. Chan is also used for adults who are considered to be kawaii cute or loveable. Chan is sometimes applied to male children if the name does not fit with the kun suffix.
For example, a boy called Tetsuya may be nicknamed Tetchan rather than Tekkun for reasons more to do with phonetics than anything else. Although it is usually said that honorifics are not applied to oneself, some women refer to themselves in the third person using chan.
For example, a young woman named Maki might call herself Maki-chan rather than using a first person pronoun like watashi. Chan is also used for pets and animals, such as usagi-chan. See also What are the personal pronouns of Japanese? It is used to refer to or address juniors. It is also used to show respect to someone who has achieved a certain level of mastery in some skill. It is used by fans of novelists, musicians, and artists. For example, Japanese manga fans refer to manga artist Rumiko Takahashi as Takahashi-sensei.
It's used in addressing persons higher in rank than oneself, and in commercial and business settings to address and refer to customers. Sama also follows the addressee's name on postal packages and letters. Sama is also often used for people considered to have some high ability or be particularly attractive. Such a young man, its not worth it to chase after the laptop. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
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