30497
The Japanese female names that end with "i" can be altered by adding "n" in
their end. E.g.:  
"Konami" -> "Konamin"  
"Mizuki" -> "Mizukin"  
"Narumi" -> "Narumin"  
"Chinami" -> "Chinamin"  
I would like to understand what exact connotation this alternation has. Under
what circumstances could I call a person by that altered name? Would that
infer any of my feelings to that person? Could that person not desire to be
called by that name in the presence of the other people while considering it
fine to be called by such name when having a private conversation? If yes,
then why?
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-17T22:31:08.313
30491
2016-01-18T01:14:36.057
9175
question
usage slang names connotation
What connotation does the ending -n to a Japanese female name have?
There are two "different" usages of the suffix 「ん」 in question.

> Type #1: When the final 「ん」 is included in the girl's "official" nickname.

This means that the girl is already known to others by the nickname of
「～～～ん/ン」; therefore, practically everyone who knows her addressess her by that
nickname.

In this usage of 「ん」, there is little to no connotation involved. It is just
part of her nickname and no one would think anything of it (including the girl
herself) as there is no reason to.

I would, however, not forget to mention the **cuteness factor** that the extra
ん-ending creates in the Japanese ear.

> Type #2: When the final 「ん」 is attached only by a limited group of people.

This is obviously the case that you are referring to where only a small group
of close friends and family address her with a 「ん/ン」 attached to her original
given name.

In this case, all kinds of connotation can come into play. You SHOULD NOT
address the girl using the ん-ending just because you have seen/heard another
person doing so.

This usage is a clear sign of affection, deep friendship, love, etc. Some
girls actually let only their boyfriends use the ん-ending and do so only in
their private conversations as well. As you probably know, affection, whether
it is verbal or physical, is generally not displayed in public in the
Japanese-speaking world.

In conclusion, one needs to know which of the two types of 「ん/ン」 it is before
actually addressing a girl. Notice that it is the same for both Japanese-
learners and us native speakers. You could end up really embarrassing all
involved including yourself if you used this "suffix" incorrectly.

If you are not sure whether you do or do not belong in the group that could
use the suffix with a ceratin girl, do not use it just yet. Spend some time
around her and her friends and find out if it is the public 「ん」 or private
「ん」. Or you could ask one of her friends.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-18T01:14:36.057
30497
2016-01-18T01:14:36.057
30491
answer