Japanese · Work & Business
お客様
okyakusama
Customer / Guest
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A person who purchases goods or services. The honorific お〜様 (okyakusama) reflects Japan's high standard of customer service, expressed in the phrase お客様は神様 (the customer is god).
Example
お客様のご要望にお応えします。
We will respond to the customer's requests.
Etymology
The term 'お客様' (okyakusama) is a respectful way to refer to a customer, combining 'お' (o), an honorific prefix, and '客様' (kyakusama), which indicates a guest or client. It reflects the importance of customer service in Japanese culture.
How & Where It’s Used
'お客様' is used in formal and polite contexts, especially in business and service industries. It is predominantly spoken but can also appear in written communications as a mark of respect.