How to Say ‘People (polite counter) / guests’ in Japanese
名様
na sama
[may sama]
💬 Usage Tip: [名] is a counting word for people in formal situations, and [様] adds extra politeness, so [名様] is what staff use for guests. You'll hear [二名様], [四名様], and so on at restaurants.
Phrase Breakdown
名
na
[may]
counter for people
名 is a counter for people, especially in formal situations like reservations.
名様は何名ですか。
How many people are in your party?
様
sama
[sama]
honored guest; polite suffix
A polite suffix added after a person counter to show respect to customers.
二名様と四名様の予約があります。
There are reservations for two people and four people.
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