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ちゃん Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N5 Freq. Frequency Top 200 Meanings 1
suffix
familiar suffix ; diminutive suffix
familiar language
Attached to names or nouns to express familiarity, affection, or endearment. Used for children, close friends, family members, and sometimes pets. More informal than さん.
Written forms ちゃん Usage 97%
Kana suffix; no kanji spelling is used.
チャン Usage 3%
Similar words さん さん is a polite, neutral suffix used for adults and in formal settings, while ちゃん is informal and affectionate, typically used for children, close friends, or family.
くん くん is often used for boys or male subordinates in a friendly but slightly more formal way than ちゃん, which is more endearing and gender-neutral.
Derived from さん, with the initial consonant softened to express intimacy and affection.
