Find out the Different Ways of Saying I and You in Japanese

Posted on May 4th, 2008 by JapaneseGeek

Some of you might not be aware, in the Japanese language, there are different ways of saying I and You. Each has its own politeness level. Learn the most poilte way to the rudest way of calling people in Japanese

Different Ways of saying “I” in Japanese

わたくし、私 - This is the most polite way of saying I in Japanese. It is commonly use for work, among your collegues or even towards customers.

わたし、私 - This is also a polite way of saying I in Japanese. It is mostly use by woman, but it can also be use by men. A normal polite way of saying I.

あたし - This a casual way of saying I in Japanese. It is mostly use by little girls, or woman who wants to behave in a cute manner. Guys don’t use this.

ぼく、僕 - This a normal way of saying I. Mostly use by guys. Can be use among good friends or if you are a customer ordering food, its ok to use it too.

おれ、俺 - This is a very casual way of saying I. Mostly use by guys. Cool or ruggard guys seems more suitable to use this. Only use among guys who are very close, brothers, or a father talking to his son or daughter.

Different Ways of saying “You” in Japanese

あなた、貴方 - A normal polite way of saying you in Japanese. Anyone can use this. The Japanese often use the person’s name together with the さん to address someone. But if you are not sure of his name, you can always just simply use あなた.

きみ、君 - This should never be use to call someone you are not familiar with, as you might be trying to indicate that you are someone of high authority. It may be use to call out to small children who is about 8 years or more younger than you. This is use mostly by someone of a higher authority like your boss or an eldarly person. Although your dad may have a higher authority, he don’t really use this. Look at おまえ.

おまえ、お前 - A very casual way that is use among close guy friends only. Or parents may use this towards their children too. Should never be use on someone whom you are not familiar with. Girls dont use this too.

てめ - This is only use when you are extremely angry. It could become very rude too. People in Japan hardly use this. But you will mostly hear this on anime. Not recommended to use it.

きさま、貴様 - Same level as おまえ

そなた - Similar to きさま but a much vulgar and violent way of saying. May sometimes be heard on Japanese anime or comic. Should never be use at all.