"-sama"
Did it change to "san" over the centuries or is "san" incorrect?
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_honorifics
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MovieChat Forums > Shogun (2024) Discussion > "-sama"
According to the book and the 1980s miniseries, you referred to most people in Japan by their name, with the word "-san" after. It means "honored one," and it's an extreme insult to refer to a Japanese by only their name with no "-san" on the end, when in their own country and speaking their language. This rule still applies to modern-day Japan when you're visiting.
The term "-sama" is used at the end of the person's name if they are a noble or of very high rank. It's the Japanese equivalent of calling someone "Lord ___" depending on who it is. Obviously there hasn't been a feudal system in Japan since the late 1800s, so the word "-sama" hasn't been used in a long time.
This is not correct.
"-sama" is a more respectful version of "-san" and not at all restricted to feudal times due to lords.
In modern days it still applies in many cases and is still absolutely commonly used, like in business.
Every customer is a -sama, for example.
And on the opposite side, when talking to a kid or peer when you're both kids, you say "-kun" as a term of affection.
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I recall that from reading the book.
Is it really an "extreme" insult not to use -san?
Japan has fascinated me every since I was a kid. Amazing united country and culture.
"-san" did indeed evolve from "-sama", and would initially have meant the same. At first "-dono" was the preferred honorific for equals and superiors, with "-sama/-san" being reserved for lords - but during the Edo period, this changed.
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