はい、ご主人様
hai, goshujin-sama
The English phrase "yes master" is translated into Japanese as はい、ご主人様 (hai, goshujin-sama).
This phrase is a submissive or highly formal way to agree to a request made by a master or owner. It is most commonly associated with the 'maid cafe' subculture or fictional depictions of characters who are highly submissive.
Which one should you use?
While ご主人様 (goshujin-sama) refers to a master or owner, the word shujin alone can also mean 'husband' in a more standard context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of the suffix -sama makes this an extremely polite and reverent way to address someone, far exceeding standard polite Japanese. For a formal way to acknowledge a superior's request without using the term 'master', you can use かしこまりました, which translates to "understood" or "message received". In contrast, if you want to say "yeah" or "uh-huh" informally, use うん.
How do you pronounce it?
hai, goshujin-sama
When do people say it?
This phrase is most commonly associated with the 'maid cafe' subculture or fictional depictions of highly submissive characters.
Did you know?
- If you use ご主人様 in a modern office, it would be seen as a joke or a sign of extreme sarcasm, as it belongs strictly to the realm of fiction or specialized subcultures.
- The word 主人 (shujin) is composed of characters meaning 'head' and 'person', reflecting a historical hierarchy where the master was the literal head of the household.
- In the specialized context of maid cafes, the phrase はい、ご主人様 is often accompanied by specific choreographed gestures or a high-pitched, sing-song tone to enhance the persona.
Examples in context
- はい、ご主人様。Hai, goshujin-sama.Yes, master.
- はい、ご主人様、すぐに準備します。Hai, goshujin-sama, sugu ni junbi shimasu.Yes, master, I will prepare it immediately.
- はい、ご主人様、承知いたしました。Hai, goshujin-sama, shouchi itashimashita.Yes, master, I understand.
Example conversation
A maid is taking an order from her employer at home.
- 陽葵 Himariご主人様、お飲み物はいかがですか？Goshujin-sama, onomimono wa ikaga desu ka?Master, would you like something to drink?
- 健太 Kenta冷たい水を持ってきてくれ。Tsumetai mizu o motte kite kure.Bring me some cold water.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、ご主人様。ただいまお持ちします。Hai, goshujin-sama. Tadaima omochishimasu.Yes, master. I will bring it right away.
- 健太 Kenta頼むよ。Tanomu yo.I'm counting on you.
