Meaning & usage
さま is a highly respectful title added after a person's name, like 田中さま, and is more formal than さん. It also follows roles and groups that deserve deference, such as お客様, 皆さま, and お母さま. It attaches directly to nouns and does not change form. Use it for customers, guests, and in formal announcements, and avoid using it for yourself or close friends in casual speech.
Example sentences 6
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みなさま、ただ今より映画を上映いたします。
Ladies and gentlemen, now we start the movie.
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お母さま、お帰りなさい。
Welcome home, Mother.
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どちらさまでしょうか？
Who's speaking?
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みなさま、どうぞ映画をお楽しみ下さい。
We hope you enjoy the movie.
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どちらさまですか？
May I ask who you are?
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どなたさまでしょうか。
Who is it?
