Honorific titles

Suffix “さん” and “ちゃん”

In Kansai-ben, the honorific title さん and ちゃん can be used for non-humans, such as for food or greetings. This usage my originate with the polite words and phrases from court language1.

1. Maeda, I. (1977) Osakaben, Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha Asahisensyo

お好み焼き屋で / At an Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Atsushi brings his friend to his usual okonomiyaki (a style of savory pancake) restaurant.

Mori Atsushi
The Friend
The Owner

会社で / At a Company

Mori has a presentation, but isn't feeling well. His coworker notices that he's pushing himself too hard and probably shouldn't be at work...

Mori Atsushi
Kishimoto
Sugimoto Natsuko
Oshima

電車で / On a Train

Atsushi is on a train and gives up his seat to an old man...

Mori Atsushi
The Old Man

大家さんと / With the Landlord

Atsushi leaves his apartment for work in the morning and meets his landlord cleaning out front.

Mori Atsushi
The Landlord

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