Pronoun q' [Archive] - Japan Forum

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grandkodiak
Jan 31, 2009, 04:37
I've heard so far watakushi, watashi and boku used as I, and have come to understand watakushi is most formal, watashi being polite, and boku as common speak among friends/family. Where does ore fit in this spectrum? Is it even more basic then boku?

Also, the same question goes for "you", but I only know anata which its family/friends ie. not too respectful... but where does omae fit?

Damicci
Jan 31, 2009, 08:11
Omae and Ore are considered rude but now and then I have heard it used jokingly with intimate friends or family members. There is a thread on this but I can't find it.

I use ore with my wife and her friends but that's it. Never with her parents or people I have just met unless they open with casual speech.

anata and kimi are your best options only if you don't know the person's name. I am not sure if one is more polite than the other though.

Toritoribe
Jan 31, 2009, 10:07
There is a thread on this but I can't find it.
Is that the following one?

The use of "you" or anata in Japanese (http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39356)

maushan3
Jan 31, 2009, 10:38
Many people don't like being called 'anata' and 'kimi' because they think that they are "just another person" so if they are not sure of the person-they-are-talking-to's name, they ask the name and then just call the person by their name. Also, they also might not refer to you by anything. Ex. どこへ行きたいですか? instead of 「insert name」、どこへ行きたいですか?

Mauricio