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Throughout the Del Rey Manga books, you will find Japanese honorifics left intact in the translations. For those not familiar with how the Japanese use honorifics and, more important,how they differ from American honorifics, we present this brief overview.

Politeness has always been a critical facet of Japanese culture. Ever since the feudal era, when Japan was a highly stratified society, use of honorifics--which can be defined as polite speech that indicate relationship or status--has played an essential role in the Japanese language. When addressing someone is Japanese, an honorific usually takes the form of a suffix attached to one's name (example: "Asuna-san" wink , is used as a title at the end of one's name, or in place of the name itself (example: "Negi-sensei," or simply "Sensei!" wink .

Honorifics can be expressions of respect or endearment. In the context of manga and anime, honorific give insight into the nature of the relationship between characters. Many translations into English leave out these important honorifics ans therefore distort the "feel" of the original Japanese. Because Japanese honorifics contains nuances that English honorifics lack, it is our policy at Del Ray not to translate them. Here instead, is a guide to some of the honorifics you may encounter in Del Ray Manga.

-san: This is the most common honorific and is the equivalent to Mr., Miss, or Mrs. It is the all-purpose honorific and can be used on any situation where politeness is required.

-sama: This is one level higher than "-san." It is used to confer great respect.

-dono: This comes from the word "tono, " which means "lord." It is even a higher level than "-sama" and confers utmost respect.

-kun: This suffix is used at the end of boy's names to express familiarity or endearment. It is also sometimes used by men among friends, or when addressing someone younger or of a lower station.

-chan: This is used to express endearment, mostly toward girls. It is also used for little boys, pets, and even among lovers. It gives a sense of childish cuteness.

Bozu: This is an informal way to refer to a boy, similar to the English terms "kid" or "squirt."

Sempai/
Senpai: This title suggests that the addressee in one's senior in a group or organization. It is most often used in a school setting, where underclassmen refer to their upperclassmen as "sempai." It can also be used in the workplace, such as when a newer employee addresses an employee who has seniority in the company.

Kohai: This is the opposite of "sempai" and is used toward underclassmen in school or newcomers in the workplace. It connotes that the addressee is of a lower station.

Sensei: Literally meaning "one who has come before," this title is used for teachers, doctors, or masters of any profession or art.


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