Universal
Cultural · Etiquette
日本では、相手の名前の後に「さん」をつけるのが一般的です。 — In Japan, it is common to add 'san' after someone's name. (Cultural · Etiquette, Universal, JLPT N4)
You
日本では、相手の名前の後に「さん」をつけるのが一般的です。
にほんでは、あいてのなまえのあとに「さん」をつけるのがいっぱんてきです。
In Japan, it is common to add 'san' after someone's name.
Romaji: Nihon dewa, aite no namae no ato ni 'san' wo tsukeru no ga ippanteki desu. / Reply Romaji: Sore wa shirimasen deshita.
Reply
それは知りませんでした。
それはしりませんでした。
I did not know that.
Gesture & etiquette
When being introduced, listen carefully to how Japanese speakers address each other — the honorifics used reveal relationships and social hierarchy instantly. When unsure, always default to 'san' — it is safe across all contexts except intimate friendship.
Always use 'san' when addressing someone until they explicitly invite you to use their given name or a more casual form. Using given names without permission, or omitting 'san,' signals presumptuous familiarity. 'Sama' (more formal), 'kun' (boys/junior males), and 'chan' (children/close friends) have distinct appropriate uses.