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"Words are stronger then steel."
This is true with "I" and and it true with "you".
While "I" carries more importance then "you", one should never underestimate its power
none the less. Join me today and I will explain it all too you.
Before I start this article I would like to say that although below you will see many
ways of saying "you" in Japanese, all of those are never as polite as simply saying
someone`s name, which will be article #4. I`d also like to thanks Mr. Miyahara for his help.
Anata: Let`s start with the basic, while watashi was the most casual way of saying "I"
politely anata is its "you" counter part. As with watashi, anata when spoken by a
man sounds polite, but also as with watashi when spoken by a woman it sounds
a bit less formal and more casual.
Anata is your standard way of saying "you" when
referring to anyone but it should be noted that if the person you are talking is of much importance
or of higher status the suffix sama should be added(anata-sama.) In formal meeting
it should be noted that instead of Anata-sama one should, if known, say the position of the person
with the suffix sama, for example Shachoh-sama, Daimyo-sama, etc...
Kimi: The nice guy kinda way to say "you", maybe too nice! While using it when addressing a friend
would make sense, to use it in a serious situation(such as a business meeting or to a costumer) would
communicate that your social skills are as developed as a 10 years old! Frankly speaking, few adults use
this word to talk to other adults, it simply is too kind. Then again a wife might call her husband
kimi, which in English would translate as "honey". The best way to use it would be to kids to
give the them a kind of "nice uncle" feeling towards you.
Omae: So then, anata is too polite and kimi too friendly... What should you used
when speaking to a friend? Their name with -kun(boy) or chan(-girl) but that`s next month. An other way
is to say omae, this is the most frank way to say "you", it carries no politeness what so ever but
when talking to a good friend it is rarely needed. Be warn, to use omea toward a superior would give
them a feeling of rebellion! That you are as "powerful" as he is and that you don`t need to show him any
respect!
An other use for omae is when you are angry! Used with a loud voice omea sounds like
a swearing word. One thing you have to understand is that Japanese don`t swear, instead they use other
ways like omae to kind of elevate themselves above the person they are angry at. Bandits, gangsters
and the likes would use this word most of all.
Anta: Don`t be fooled by it`s resemblance to anata for their meaning are leagues apart.
While anata is nice and polite, anta is a bit "dirty". For a woman to use such a word
is extremely rude and can be considered to be as rude as if she had just swore. The same is true for man, but since
man are "tougher" it is not as uncommon for them to say it, never the less it is as rude and impolite
either ways. Choose your words well if you are to use anta or you might not be able to pay
the price!
Onore: Also pronounced onoreh. It has a military/fighting sound to it and should never
be used by women(unless they are ninjas;o). As omae, onore can be used in angry
situation to make yourself sound more threatening! Here pronunciation is key. Pronounce it clearly
and it will sound polite(don`t forget that it is a military kind of "you", so it should only be used
when talking to a soldier/warrior), but when said with a low tone, a strong "r" and a longer
~eh at the end, it would be like saying "You bastard". In Japanese not only the words you
choose are important, but the way you pronounce them!
Temeh: Same as onore but always rude.
Kisama: Same as onore but older. Might be used by older warriors.
Sonata: An other old way to say "you" but this one more polite and a bit more
feminine. Would usually be used by old courtiers and low royalties. Now if you were
of high royalty you`d use the next one...
Sochi: I am above you and you know it! I am your emperor, shogun, or a member of the
imperial family. To use sochi elevates yourself well above everyone in an almost Godly way,
which is appropriate because the emperor is a God! Unless you are such a person, and I don`t
think you are, never ever use sochi
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