What does “Kun” Mean in Japanese?

Introduction
Kun (くん) is an informal honorific suffix added to a person’s name in Japanese. It is typically used to refer to young male acquaintances, but can also be used to refer to colleagues, or peers of either gender between adults. In this article, we will discuss the meaning and usage of kun in the Japanese language and culture.

History and Origin
Kun comes from the Chinese word 君 (kun1) and is one of the oldest honorifics in Japanese. In the past, it was often used to refer to young brothers, male friends, and younger people in general. Over time, the term became more common, and today it is a usual honorific used to refer to males, regardless of age.

Usage of Kun in Japanese
In modern Japanese, the kun honorific is popularly used to refer to young boys who are friendly and close to the speaker, such as best friends and classmates. It can also be used for younger people generally, such as children, and can be used by anyone regardless of gender.

Kun is also used to refer to male adults, usually those younger than the speaker. This is especially seen when referring to an older colleague or acquaintance. It is often seen when referring to powerful people or renowned figures as a sign of respect.

The suffix can also be used as a nickname or title. For example, an adult man might refer to himself as Tanaka-kun if his surname is Tanaka.

Conclusion
Kun is a versatile and popular honorific used in Japanese. It can be used for boys and men, regardless of age or relationship. It is often seen when referring to adolescent boys and usually conveys a feeling of familiarity and friendship. Kun is also used to refer to male adults, usually those younger than the speaker, and can be used as a respectful nickname or title.