Gender

[thereisnospoon]

When using the term San how does one know if the person referred to is male or female? eg Sato san or Tanaka San.

 

[SacredBlue]

With San you'd probably know by context.

 

[Elizabeth]

I don't think there is any way to tell from "san" used with a family name. Perhaps a step forward if adopted in place of "kun" at work settings, for instance, insofar as it could cut down on sex discrimination or harassment.

 

[Mandylion]

You really need their full name to know. In contect though, if it is an informal conversation mainly, listen/look for other gender markers like "he" or "she."

 

[heno heno moheji]

whether man or woman, "san" applies to someone who is the superior or senior than you, famous people and otherwise has the position entertained as a client or guest at present.
e.g. Prime Minister Koizumi is called Koizumi-san.

such upper ranked people usually attach male junior people or follwers "kun". but to female people, they attach "san".