JLPT N2

御中

おんちゅう

Messrs.

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

御

Radical: —

中

Radical: —

Usage and Context

"御中" (おんちゅう) is a formal honorific used exclusively in written communication to address companies, organizations, or groups rather than individuals. It is typically placed after the name of the company or department on envelopes, letters, or emails.

Common Collocations

  • "株式会社〇〇御中": Addressing a company named 〇〇.
  • "営業部御中": Addressing a specific department within a company.
  • "お客様御中": Addressing customers collectively in formal notices.

Register and Politeness

This term is very polite and formal, suitable for business correspondence. It is never used in casual speech or when addressing individuals.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse "御中" with "様" (さま). Remember, "御中" is for organizations or groups, while "様" is used for individuals. Using "御中" after a person's name is incorrect.

Practical Tip

When sending letters or emails to companies, always use "御中" after the company or department name to show respect and professionalism. For individuals, use "様" instead.

Example Sentences

かぶしきがいしゃやまだおんちゅう、いつもおせわになっております。

To Yamada Corporation, thank you always for your support.

おきゃくさまおんちゅう、しょうひんのはっそうがおくれておりますことをおわびもうしあげます。

Dear customers, we apologize for the delay in shipping the products.

おんちゅうはかいしゃやだんたいにあてるけいしょうで、こじんめいにはつかいません。

‘Onchuu’ is an honorific used for companies or organizations, not for individual names.