Why “San” Is Added After Names in Japanese — A Complete Guide for Foreigners

Why Do Japanese People Add “San” After Names?

One of the first things many foreigners notice when living in or traveling to Japan is how naturally Japanese people use the honorific “san” (さん).

In this article, we will clearly explain:

• The meaning of “san” in Japanese
• Its cultural background and origin
• How and when to use “san” correctly

We will also introduce real-world examples, making it easy for Japanese businesses and service providers to explain this custom to foreign customers and visitors.

“San” Is One of the Most Common Japanese Honorifics

“San” (さん) is the most widely used Japanese honorific, and it plays a role similar to Mr., Ms., or Mrs. in English.

Because of this flexibility, “san” is a universal honorific in Japanese. It is commonly used in business settings, customer service, and everyday conversation, making it one of the most essential parts of Japanese communication.

Three Reasons Why Japanese People Use “San”

Why Do Foreigners Feel Confused About “San”?

In Japan, the honorific “san” (さん) is completely natural and used every day.
However, because it does not exist in many other cultures, foreigners may initially feel confused or uncomfortable when they hear it.

Common reasons include:

・This Honorific Culture Does Not Exist in Their Native Language
　In many countries, there is no custom of adding an honorific after a person’s name.
As a result, hearing a name followed by “san” can feel unfamiliar at first.

・Adding an Honorific to a First Name Feels New
　In English, Mr. / Ms. are usually placed before a last name, not a first name.
Because of this, expressions like “Emma-san” or “John-san” often feel unusual to English speakers.

・It Sounds Softer Than Mr. / Ms., Making Social Distance Hard to Judge
　“San” sounds polite yet friendly at the same time, which can make it difficult for foreigners to tell whether the situation is formal or casual.

However, in reality, “san” is one of the most well-balanced honorifics in Japanese.
It conveniently expresses both respect and approachability, making communication smoother.

Once you understand its meaning, communicating in Japan becomes much easier and more comfortable.

When and How to Use “San”: Common Situations and Examples

The Basic Rule: “Name + San”

In Japanese, the most common way to address someone is by adding “san” after their name.

• Kanai → Kanai-san
• Michael → Michael-san
• Emma → Emma-san

Can Be Used With Both First Names and Last Names

“San” is a versatile honorific that works with either a first name or a last name.

• John → John-san
• Smith → Smith-san

In Japanese, honorifics are never placed before a name like “Mr. John.”
The rule is simple: “san” always comes after the name.

Natural in Emails and Chat Messages

“San” is not limited to spoken language—it is also perfectly natural in writing.

Examples:

• “Thank you, Kanai-san.”
• “Nice to meet you, Emma-san.”

It works smoothly in business emails, customer service messages, and casual communication.

Suitable for Both Formal and Casual Situations

Because it is neither too formal nor too casual, “san” can be used in almost any situation, including:

• Work and business settings
• Customer service
• Conversations with friends and acquaintances

This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of using “san.”

Important Points to Remember When Using “San”

Using a Name Without an Honorific Can Be Considered Rude
In Japanese culture, calling someone by their name without an honorific can often be perceived as impolite, especially when the relationship is not close.

Foreigners May Not Be Familiar With This Rule
Because many countries do not have an honorific system like Japan’s, foreigners may not understand the meaning of “san” at first.
A brief explanation can help them feel more comfortable and reassured.

It’s Helpful to Explain “San” Once in Business Emails
In professional communication, it is considerate to explain this custom at least once.
For example:

“In Japan, we use ‘san’ as a polite honorific after a person’s name.”

This simple note helps prevent misunderstandings.

Why ASAHI MOTORS Uses “San”

At ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, we value polite, respectful communication that reflects Japanese culture, even when serving international customers.

For this reason, our staff may address customers by adding “san” after their names.

Example:

“Hello Michael-san, thank you for choosing ASAHI MOTORS.”

This expression is based on traditional Japanese honorific culture and is chosen because it allows us to remain respectful while maintaining a friendly and welcoming tone.

In fact, many foreign customers have shared positive feedback, such as:

• “Being called ‘san’ feels very Japanese and special.”
• “It makes me feel respected and well taken care of.”

Making Communication More Comfortable Through “San”

At ASAHI MOTORS, we use “san” not just as a form of address, but as part of our commitment to providing a warm and comfortable customer experience.

Understanding “San” Makes Communication in Japan More Enjoyable

“San” (さん) is the most commonly used honorific in Japan, offering a perfect balance of respect, politeness, and friendliness.

By understanding how “san” works, conversations with Japanese people—whether in daily life, business, or travel situations—become much smoother.

At ASAHI MOTORS, we also take care to explain these cultural differences so that international customers can enjoy their time in Japan with confidence and peace of mind.

By learning about Japan’s unique honorific “san”, your experience in Japan will become deeper, richer, and more enjoyable.