Mandarin and Japanese

[usna_mori]

I have a question , I´m studing simplifies chinese , but got a comic in traditional chinese and it has (name)-大人 for honorific , and is used like - sama in japanese , is it used in simplified chinese too???? =)

[skylee]

usna_mori, it has nothing to do with simplified or traditional Chinese. The term is just used to translate "-sama". Nowadays, 大人 is not used in either simplified/traditional Chinese or Mainland China/Taiwan to address a person of a high status. It was used in the past (like pre-1911). In HK, however, sometimes you might find the term used in some court drama in the form of "法官大人" ("your honour" when address the judge in a court).

[fireball9261]

Nowadays, 大人 could also be used in joking with your friends or parents or wives or girlfriends.

I think the term 閣下 is still used formally in certain situations in Chinese societies. I usually use it when I am using it as a term to speak to someone who I want to express my feelings of wanting to keep the listener as a far away stranger and a possible enemy. It is a way for respectful sacarsm.

[muyongshi]

I think the term 閣下 is still used formally in certain situations in Chinese societies.

I see it all the time at restaurants here in mainland!

[fireball9261]

Yes. 閣下 would be used in a very well mannered and formal setting, especially if the businessmen want to make people feel respected and upper class. The same thing as "夫人" for the wives of higher level Chinese.