How to Say “You” in Japanese

Ways to say it

Which one should you use?

貴方 (anata) is a polite or neutral term, whereas 君 (kimi) is a familiar form often used by superiors toward subordinates or between lovers. そっち (sotchi) is a familiar version of the polite そちら (sochira), which refers to the person's side or direction and is used in business to avoid the directness of anata. For extremely aggressive or confrontational situations, 貴様 (kisama) is used as a highly insulting term and お前 (omae) is a rough, casual form used between close male friends that can become rude if used with strangers. あんた (anta) is a casual, less formal way to say "you" used among close friends or siblings. おんどれ (ondore) is a vulgar and dialectal way to address someone.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

For high-status individuals or extremely formal situations requiring extreme deference, the honorific Anata-sama (あなた様) is used. そちら (sochira) serves as a polite business-appropriate option. 貴方 (anata) is polite. 君 (kimi) and あんた (anta) are informal and familiar. お前 (omae) is very casual and can be perceived as disrespectful. 貴様 (kisama) and おんどれ (ondore) are vulgar and aggressive.

Is it said differently in some regions?

The forms 自分 (jibun), あんた (anta), お前 (omae) and おんどれ (ondore) are considered dialectal.

Related words

The individual or group spoken/written to (det): そこの.

Used before epithets for emphasis (det): そこの, この.

How does it change in a sentence?

君 (kimi) functions as a second-person pronoun and is also frequently used in a poetic or lyrical manner to address a loved one in song lyrics.

How do you pronounce it?

anata

What mistakes should you avoid?

English speakers often over-use 貴方 (anata) because it is taught as the standard word for "you". However, using it toward a superior or a stranger can actually sound distant or even condescending.