How to Say ‘Client (care recipient)’ in Japanese
利用者さん
riyou sha san
[ree-yoh sha sahn]
💬 Usage Tip: [利用者さん] combines official + warm: “the service user (politely).” Common in spoken workplace Japanese.
🇯🇵 In Japan: This phrasing balances professional distance with kindness—important in Japanese caregiving culture.
Phrase Breakdown
利用
riyou
[ree-yoh]
use; utilization
Part of 利用者さん. Refers to “use of a service,” forming the idea of “service user.”
利用者さんの希望を利用して計画を立てるのではなく、希望を聞いて計画を立てます。
Rather than “using” the client’s wishes, I listen to their wishes and make a plan. (Shows correct, respectful approach.)
者
sha
[sha]
person (suffix)
In 利用者さん, 者 means “person,” making the word “service user/client.”
利用者さん一人一人に合った支援をします。
I provide support tailored to each individual client.
さん
san
[sahn]
Mr./Ms.; polite honorific
Added to 利用者 to show respect and friendliness. Common in many Japanese care facilities.
利用者さんに毎日あいさつをします。
I greet the clients every day.
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