If you like anime or Japanese culture, you’ve probably heard the suffix “-chan” used after a name.
“-chan” is a suffix used after a girl name, from little girls to young women.
This is an kind and affective mark, which is used by family or friends in Japan.
For example a girl called Sakura will be called Sakura-chan by her family, friends at school, teacher or other adults.
There’s no official period to stop calling girls with -chan, but usually is during the late 20s or when a girl will marry.
Sometimes little boys are called by their names with -chan by their family or grandmother for example, to they tend to become angry about it when growing up.
Since -chan is a familiar and friendly mark be careful when you use it with adults in certain situation like work.
Also, you all probably know the character Hello Kitty.
Since the name of this cute and young cat is Kitty, everyone in Japan is calling her Kitty-chan.In the shop you’ll find her as Hello Kitty, but if you speak with Japanese people, the most used name will be Kitty-chan.
If you got friends in Japan or meet Japanese little girls, try to call them by their name and -chan to express affection!
They’ll be surprised for sure!
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Oomori(おおもり） Fun Japan Words Vol. 23
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