|
-Chan is a suffix applied to names, rather like -san. The difference is that -chan is used for close friends. You have to be on equal ground with someone, or of higher rank, to use -chan. It is mostly used on girls, the equivalent for guys being -kun. However, it sometimes is used on guys' names. My close friends might call me Brian-chan or even Bri-chan. -Chan is diminuitive, that is, it's kind of babyish. It's like you're putting someone down when you use it. But it's not really bad--it just depends on who you do it to. It's very similar to a person having a friend that goes by "Jim," and calling him "Jimmy." "Jimmy" is kind of kiddish, but since they're friends, it's OK. So exercise care with -chan. Don't -chan anyone until you are fairly sure that you are close enough to them. And by all means, feel glad when you get -chan-ed. |