Japanese translation help!!!

[Roy Hughes]

You know how in the anime Naruto in Japanese, they say the person's name then a word in Japanese? Or in a martial arts movie they say something in Japanese? Could you guys help me please and translate them? Please reply as soon as possible. Arigato!!!

Naruto-kun
Lee-san
Hokage-sama
Sakura-chan
kemo sabe

[Ryukon]

All of them are honorifics placed after a name much like how we say "Mr./Ms." in English. "-kun" is a little on a personal level than "-san" and mostly used for guys. "-chan" is an affectionate way of calling someone. The "-sama" is basically for lords or people of higher rank.

As for "kemo sabe", I haven't the faintest clue.

[Roy Hughes]

All of them are honorifics placed after a name much like how we say "Mr./Ms." in English. "-kun" is a little on a personal level than "-san" and mostly used for guys. "-chan" is an affectionate way of calling someone. The "-sama" is basically for lords or people of higher rank.

As for "kemo sabe", I haven't the faintest clue.

Arigato! I still can't find kemo sabe though. It might be a made up Japanese word...but I digress.

[Dreams]

Wah! I can't believe you guys have never heard the word "kemosabe" before! It's Native American. This'll give you all kinds of background/meanings:

http://www.aaanativearts.com/article888.html

[Roy Hughes]

Wah! I can't believe you guys have never heard the word "kemosabe" before! It's Native American. This'll give you all kinds of background/meanings:

http://www.aaanativearts.com/article888.html

Oops! I didn't realize. Sorry. I'm trying to learn Japanese so I wasn't sure.

Oh, btw, what is "otaku"? In the Full Metal Alchemist manga, they say it sometimes. Is it an insult or something? HELP!!!!

[Yuki~]

i read once that otaku could be the formallest form to talk to somebody....
^^

[Dreams]

Otaku: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otaku

I was just surprised nobody knew the word, because it's part of our old heritage in the mainland USA, at least - something you grow up hearing randomly. But I forgot that the bulk of people on this board seem to be outside the US.

[Roy Hughes]

Otaku: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otaku

I was just surprised nobody knew the word, because it's part of our old heritage in the mainland USA, at least - something you grow up hearing randomly. But I forgot that the bulk of people on this board seem to be outside the US.

(reads article)

Oh, I see! So when Edward Elric (Full Metal Alchemist) says, "Engineering Otaku!" he's saying, "Engineering Nerd!" or when Winry Rockbell (FMA) says, "Alchemy Otaku!" Sugoi!

[sasuke_rocklee]

what do u mean on the personal level for -kun? goodness i never understand these things

[Ethereal Blaze]

Kun is like an affectionate term used on guys. like:

Iruka-kun would incinuate that me and Iruka were close friends.

Sasuke-Chan would incinuate that me and you were close (since your female, it hasta be chan)

thats probably the best way i can describe it from what i have read on older threads, manga, and listening to anime in jap.

[sasuke_rocklee]

oooo THANX!

[Dreams]

-kun is informal between friends. It is traditionally a male term, but things continue to modernize between the genders in Japan, so it wouldn't be impossible to hear -kun at the end of a girl's name. (Although she might be tomboyish.)

[geishaboy]

-kun is informal between friends. It is traditionally a male term, but things continue to modernize between the genders in Japan, so it wouldn't be impossible to hear -kun at the end of a girl's name. (Although she might be tomboyish.)

Most commonly you will find a superior in an employment setting addressing the younger female workers with ~kun

Yeah, language changes

I have even heard some Japanese girls refer to themselves with "boku", which took a minute to sink in

[sasuke_rocklee]

::hehe:: boku? i guess languages DO change as you say
and thanx again!

[florencepugh]

In Japanese anime like Naruto, honorifics are commonly used as a linguistic and cultural aspect to convey relationships and respect between characters. For example, "kun" is used for familiarity and affection towards someone of equal or younger age, while "san" is a polite honorific similar to "Mr." or "Ms." used to address someone respectfully.

[marnos]

In Japanese anime like Naruto, honorifics are commonly used as a linguistic and cultural aspect to convey relationships and respect between characters. For example, "kun" is used for familiarity and affection towards someone of equal or younger age, while "san" is a polite honorific similar to "Mr." or "Ms." used to address someone respectfully.

You're absolutely right! These linguistic nuances add depth to the characters' interactions and can offer non-Japanese viewers insight into the subtleties of Japanese social customs.