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How to Say ‘Ms. Tanaka’ in Japanese

田中さん

tanaka san

[tah-nah-kah san]

💬 Usage Tip: さん goes after a name and works for men and women alike, like Mr. or Ms. Never put it on your own name.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese people often address the person they're talking to by name plus さん where English would say "you". Using the family name with さん is the safe default when you first meet someone.

Phrase Breakdown

田中

tanaka

[tah-nah-kah]

Tanaka (name)

Part of the school name being stated clearly on the phone.

Example

田中小学校です。

This is Tanaka Elementary School.

さん

san

[san]

Mr.; Ms.; polite suffix

A polite suffix added to a person's name or role.

Example

お医者さんが来ました。

The doctor came.

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