How to use san in japanese email
In Japanese, "san" () is a honorific suffix used to address someone with respect, similar to "Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr." in English. When writing an email in Japanese, you can use "san" to address the recipient in a polite and respectful manner.
Here are some guidelines on how to use "san" in a Japanese email:
- Use "san" with the recipient's name: When addressing the recipient by name, you can add "san" to the end of their name. For example:
Recipient's name: Tanaka Taro Email address: [email protected] Email greeting: (Tanaka-san, kono mail o okurimasu)
- Use "san" with a title: If you don't know the recipient's name, you can use "san" with a title such as "Mr." or "Ms." For example:
Email greeting: (Shacho-san, kono mail o okurimasu) - "To the President, I am sending this email."
- Use "san" with a company name: When addressing a company, you can use "san" to show respect. For example:
Email greeting: (Tōkyō Shimbun-san, kono mail o okurimasu) - "To Tokyo Newspaper, I am sending this email."
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Don't overuse "san": While "san" is a polite suffix, using it excessively can come across as insincere or even mocking. Use it sparingly and only when necessary.
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Be mindful of the context: In some cases, using "san" may not be necessary or even appropriate. For example, when writing to a close friend or someone you have a personal relationship with, you may not need to use "san".
Here's an example of a complete Japanese email with "san" used correctly:
Subject: (Shinsen no Email)
Body:
(Tanaka-san, kono mail o okurimasu)
Kono email ni, shinsen no koto o kaku koto ni shite orimasu. (I am sending this email to inform you of some new information.)
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Remember to adjust the level of formality and politeness according to the recipient and the context of the email.