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:

  1. 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)

  1. 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."

  1. 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."

  1. 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.

  2. 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.