Senshi (Guardians)
Chapter 1: A Word About Japanese Honorifics

This story takes place in Japan. For the most part, everyone is speaking Japanese. I couldn’t very well write the entire book in Japanese because my English speaking readers wouldn’t be able to understand it, and my Japanese isn’t up to such a task. In order to keep the reader reminded, regardless of the fact that it’s written in English, I have slipped in some common Japanese words and phrases.

Instead of Japanese Kanji I am using Romaji which uses the English alphabet to spell out the sounds of the words and honorifics.

Just as we use Mr., Mrs., Sir, etc., in Japan they use honorifics to help distinguish the status or rank of the person they are talking to. While our honorifics come at the front of a name, their honorifics are after the name. For instance: Kodo san. The name is Kodo and the Honorific is san as in Mr. Kodo. These can also be used with the first name, for example: Keiko sama. (Princess Keiko – or Lady Keiko) Also, names usually begin with the last name first and then the first name (no comma). Like: Ueto Aya. In English: Aya Ueto. In japan: Graham Paul David. Here: Paul David Graham. (Note: Japanese names do not contain a middle name. Korea uses three names, ex.: Park Shin Hye Here: Shin Hye Park.)

The problem with honorifics is when and what to use and in what situation. Good friends don’t usually use honorifics at all when speaking among themselves. Here is a simplified explanation of Honorifics as used in this book:

san – (săhn): indicates an older person. For men it’s like Mr. Unmarried women are not usually referred to as san so much. After marriage it means Mrs. For women it is also used as a sign of respect even though she may not be married. For instance Japanese movie/drama stars can be called san as a respectful way of appreciating their status, or when addressing a woman (or man) of military rank.

chan – (chăhn): Indicates a child or young person. Used a lot for women who are not married even if they are thirty-five, depending on the situation. A grandmother might call her 40 year old daughter chan. Interestingly, Grandmothers are sometimes called Obaa chan. Older boys and young adults are often called Kun (koon) instead of chan or san. In the case of women, it’s usually used when you know the person well. For instance you work with them.

Sensei – (sĕn´-sāy): Literally means teacher or professor. Doctors and lawyers are also called this. It may also be used to respect someone who knows more than you about something and is teaching you (like a tutor).

Sama – (să´-măh): Princess or Prince. (Indicating royalty.) Also for other nobility like: Lord or Lady.

Hime* sama – (Hēē´-may săh-mă): *Princess. Not used for prince.

Senpai – (Sĕm´-pīe): The n is pronounced m because of Japanese grammar rules. Usually used by an underclassman as respect in addressing an upperclassman. Also can be used loosely by people to honor someone they respect as a leader – used in this book to address a school gang leader.

Oniisan – (Ō-nēē´-săn): Older brother. (Oniichan: Younger brother.)

Oneesan – (Ō-nāy-ay-săn): Older sister. (Oneechan: Younger sister.) There are other words used for brother and sister. I’m keeping it simple for this book.

Obaasan – (Ōh-băh-ah-săhn): Grandmother or Old woman. Can be used as an insult to a young person who is older than the person calling them that.

Obaachan – (Ōh-băh-ah-chăn): Fond name for Grandmother used by a family member. Also a polite way of addressing an elder woman you just meet. (Senior citizens)

Honorifics can be complicated because we aren’t used to them in the west, so rather than trying to memorize all of them and their nuances you only need to be aware of the one’s used in the book

Ninety-nine percent of the book is in English, so don’t let the Honorifics scare you off. The other one percent is basic Japanese phrases like “Thank you” or “Good morning.”

Arigato (Ah-ree-gah-toe) Thanks (informal) Add Gozaimasu (Go-zai-mah-s) To be polite for general use.

Ohaio (Ohio) Good morning (informal). Add Gozaimasu (Go-zai-mah-s) To be polite for general use.

Gomenasai (Gō-mĕn-ăh-săh-ēē): “Excuse me.” Can also be used as a form of I’m sorry: “Please excuse me for saying (or doing) that.”

Sumimasen (Sue-me-mah-sen) “Sorry/Excuse me.” When interrupting or if you accidently bump someone.

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NEKO (Nay-ko): Cat

GENKI DESU KA? (Gen-key Dess Kah): Are you well?

DAIJOBU (Dye-jobe): I’m okay, It’s all right (Daijobu desu ka?) Are you OK?

SONOTORI (So-no-tor-ee): Exactly (informal) [Sonotori desu: Exactly/precisely (more formal)]

HONTO? (Hoe-n-toe): Really?

NIIJI (Knee-jee): Rainbow

SUKEBAN (Soo-kay-bahn): Delinquent/Bully [Also YANKEE]

IIE (ee-yay): No [HAI (Ha-ee): Yes] [BETSUNI (Bet-soo-knee): Nothing. No reason.]

DAME! (Dah-may): Don’t! (Don’t say that!, Don’t do that!) NO! as a command.

DO ITASHIMASHITTE (Do-ee-tash-ee-mah-sh-tay): Don’t mention it (no need to thank me)

For the most part the Japanese language and people are steeped in politeness. That isn’t to say they don’t get angry, aren’t rude, or don’t have words for insulting people at times, it’s just that the majority of the language and their personal demeanor is about being polite. Just like our English language, there is one way you speak to royalty, another for strangers, another for family, one for your boss, and another for close friends. They also have their slang words and shortcuts.

Fortunately, this book doesn’t require you to take a course in Japanese to read it, or take a trip to Japan, although, I highly recommend going there in order to have the full experience. All Japanese students are required to learn English (it’s the world language and necessary for doing business in the global market) so it’s much easier now to communicate with the shopkeepers and citizens than when I lived there in the fifties. If you go there please remember the key words for a pleasant experience: Politeness and respect.

Paul David Graham

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