様
Esq. · way · manner · situation · polite suffix
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'tree' (木) with 'sheep' (羊, implying beauty), from the beautiful appearance of trees. Developed into meanings of appearance, state, and honorific usage.
Symbolism
Symbolizes form, appearance, and respect. Widely used for states of things (様子, 模様) and as an honorific suffix for people.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Sitting and waiting
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
尋常一様
じんじょういちよう
ordinary; common; mediocre
千態万様
せんたいばんよう
great diversity of form
多種多様
たしゅたよう
a great variety of; diversity
各人各様
かくじんかくよう
different strokes for different folks; people doing something in their own way
百人百様
ひゃくにんひゃくよう
so many men, so many ways; to each one's own; it takes all sorts to make a world
複雑多様
ふくざつたよう
complex and multifarious
各種各様
かくしゅかくよう
individual (different) ways of doing things; being different (varied) for each item (type)
多岐多様
たきたよう
wide-ranging and diverse; multifarious
三者三様
さんしゃさんよう
each of the three being different from the other two; each of the three having his (her) own way
Anime & Manga
かぐや様は告らせたい～天才たちの恋愛頭脳戦～
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
A well-known work with 様 in its Japanese title.
会長はメイド様!
Maid-Sama!
A well-known work with 様 in its Japanese title.
王様ランキング
Ranking of Kings
A well-known work with 様 in its Japanese title.
お隣の天使様にいつの間にか駄目人間にされていた件
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
A well-known work with 様 in its Japanese title.
神様はじめました
Kamisama Kiss
A well-known work with 様 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“manner”
“situation”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 様 mean in Japanese?
様 means Esq., way, manner, situation, polite suffix.
How do you read 様?
On'yomi: ヨウ、ショウ (YOU, SHOU). Kun'yomi: さま、さん (sama, san).
How many strokes does 様 have?
様 has 14 strokes. Its radical is 木 (tree).
Is 様 a good kanji for a tattoo?
様 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means Esq., way, manner, situation, polite suffix. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.