I have developed a series of college mascots that are Japanese based. What
would I call them if they are in a comic strip talking to each other; so if
the name is chip would he be called chip-chan, or chip-kun, or something else?
Need help on this asap. Thanks.
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2017-03-31T01:44:02.813
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2017-04-30T10:58:13.057
2017-04-30T10:58:13.057
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question
grammar expressions
-chan, -kun, what is used currently for a friend?
* chip-chan sounds like a female mascot, it could be a small boy, too.

  * chip-kun sounds difinitly a male mascot
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2017-03-31T01:48:22.687
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2017-03-31T01:48:22.687
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answer
Mascot characters are usually called without any name suffix unless くん/ちゃん is
part of the official name (like どーもくん). Most people just call ふなっしー ふなっしー,
while you may add くん or ちゃん if you really like to show your love.

This is more true when the name/appearance of your character is closer to the
western style. Everyone knows two western friends are calling one another
without adding anything. When western cartoons and movies are translated, we
seldom hear くん/ちゃん, and no one thinks it's impolite.

Judging from the image you posted, your characters are not like typical
Japanese "lovely" mascots (known as ゆるキャラ / 萌えキャラ). So I think you can safely
avoid くん/ちゃん altogether.
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2017-03-31T02:56:40.420
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2017-03-31T02:56:40.420
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answer
**Chan** ( **ちゃん** ) - this suffix shows the speaker finds a person endearing.
Using chan with a superior's name is considered rude. Generally it is used for
babies, teenager girls, young children, and grandparents. It can also be
attached to animals. It shows cuteness, lovers, close friends, or any young
woman. Young women may use it to refer to themselves to appear cute and
childish.

**Kun** ( **くん** ) - used by people of senior status to refer to people of
junior status or by anyone when referring to male children or teenagers. Women
may also used the term when referring to a guy they are emotionally attached
or known a long time. Kun isn't male exclusive, but mostly used for male
references.
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2017-03-31T09:31:14.030
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2017-03-31T09:31:14.030
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answer