(3 entries)
さま
Alternative writings: ,
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

An honorific suffix attached after a person's name or title to show respect (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mrs.).

SuffixHonorific or Respectful (Sonkeigo) Language

Examples

田中様が受付にいらっしゃいました。

Mr./Ms. Tanaka has arrived at the reception.

お客様、こちらへどうぞ。

Dear customer, this way please.

部長様にはすでに連絡済みです。

I've already contacted the department manager.

2

A polite suffix used to make expressions more courteous; commonly appears in fixed expressions (e.g., お疲れ様です).

SuffixPolite (Teineigo) Language

Examples

仕事終わりに先輩が『お疲れ様でした』と言ってくれた。

After work, my senior said, "Good job/Thank you for your hard work."

手伝ってくれて、お粗末さまでした(礼儀的な言い回し)。

Thank you for your help — a humble/polite phrase.

会議の最後に『皆さん、お疲れ様です』と締めくくった。

At the end of the meeting, someone closed by saying, "Thank you everyone for your work."

3

A noun meaning a state, situation, or appearance (as in その様, meaning 'that state/appearance').

Noun

Examples

ご覧の様に、計画は順調に進んでいます。

As you can see, the plan is progressing smoothly.

その様では仕事にならないので、もう一度やり直してください。

If things stay like that, the work won't get done — please redo it.

彼の話し方や態度の様を注意深く観察した。

I carefully observed his manner of speaking and attitude.

Word Relationships

Synonyms