Thursday, October 6, 2011

What does "kun" mean here?

Question:


I've been learning some Japanese from an awesome tutor. We both have a great time together and in an email I was sent tonight, she added "kun" after my name.

Answer:


-kun

kun (君【くん】) is used by persons of senior status in addressing or referring to those of junior status, or by anyone when addressing or referring to male children or male teenagers. It can also be used by females when addressing a male that they are emotionally attached to or have known for a long period of time. Although kun is generally used for boys, that is not a hard rule. For example, kun can be used to name a close personal friend or family member of either gender. Also, in business settings, young female employees may also be addressed as kun by older males of senior status. It can also be used by male teachers addressing their female students.

In the Diet of Japan (Legislature), chairpersons use kun when addressing diet members and ministers. An exception was when Takako Doi was the chairperson of the lower house: she used the san title.

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