Sama (さま) - polite way to call someone's name in Japanese

by Kosuke on August 18, 2018 in - Japanese grammar

Hello. I'm Kosuke!

In the previous article, I explained about Japanese particle "を(wo)"!
を(wo) >>

In this article, let's learn how to use "さま (sama)"!

Please remember only one thing from this article:

"さま (sama)" is a very polite way to call someone's name.

In the past article, I have already explained about "さん (san)".
～さん (-san) >>

"さま (sama)" is very similar to "さん (san)".

However, "さま (sama)" is much more polite than "さん (san)".

How to use "～さま (-sama)" is like 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' in English.

Examples:

English	Japanese	Romaji	Kanji
Mr. Sasuke	さすけさま	Sasuke-sama	さすけ様
Ms. Smith	すみすさま	Sumisu-sama	すみす様

Like the examples above, "-sama" can be used for both male and female.

"さま (sama)" is put right after someone's name.

It can be used for both first name and last name.

If you don't remember about Romaji, please check this:

Romaji >>

If you still don't remember basic Hiragana characters, please check this:

Hiragana >>

If you don't know what Kanji is, please check this:

Japanese characters >>

Actually, "さん (san)" is a more common way to call someone in Japanese.

But if the person is very high ranked, we use "さま (sama)".

Also, you can use "さま (sama)" for your client.

When we first meet our client, we often use "さま (sama)".

When we can be frank with them, we start to use "さん (san)".

"さま (sama)" is very polite.

Sometimes, it is even too polite.

So sometimes even clients feel uncomfortable to be called with "さま (sama)".

Of course, you don't need to use "さま (sama)" for your friends.

However, when your girlfriend gets angry with you, you can use "～さま(-sama)" for your girlfriend. hehe

Also, "さま (sama)" is not only used for someone's name.

Please see the examples below:

English	Japanese	Romaji	Kanji
God	かみさま	kami-sama	神様
King	おうさま	ou-sama	王様

"かみ (kami) " means "God", and "おう (ou)" means "King" in Japanese.

Usually, we put "さま (sama)" right after these words to show our respect.

Also, "さま (sama)" is included in some greetings in Japanese.

In the past article, I explained about "おつかれさまです (o tsu ka re sa ma de su)".

おつかれさまです >>

"おつかれさまです" has many meanings.

But generally, we use "おつかれさまです" when we say good bye in the office.

It includes "さま" and "です".

As I explained in the past article, "つかれ (tsu ka re)" means "tiredness".

They put "さま (sama)" right after "tiredness" to show respect to their tiredness.

If you don't know what "です" is, please check this:
です(desu) and ます(masu) >>

Also, Japanese people says "ごちそうさま (go chi so u sa ma)" after eating their food.

Actually, there is no "ごちそうさま" in English.

Japanese people always say this greeting after eating.

"ごちそう" means "meal".

They put "さま" right after "meal" to show their respect to the food and animals eaten by them.

Anyway!

Please remember only one thing from this article:

"さま (sama)" is a very polite way to call someone's name.

I hope this article helps you study Japanese!
Thank you for reading!