(2 entries)
Alternative writings: , おん
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

An honorific/polite/humble prefix used to show respect or politeness (commonly before words with kun-yomi). 'おん' is a more formal variant.

PrefixHonorific or Respectful (Sonkeigo) LanguagePolite (Teineigo) LanguageHumble (Kenjougo) LanguageUsually Kana

Examples

お名前を教えてください。

Please tell me your name.

お茶を一杯いかがですか?

Would you like a cup of tea?

お手洗いはあちらになります。

The restroom is over there.

『おん』は格式の高い場で、『お』より硬い印象を与えることがある。

'On' can sound more formal than 'o' and is sometimes used in high-formality contexts.

Word Relationships

Synonyms