I have a question. Is "anata" really the polite form for "you"? It crossed my mind because Tomo-san just told me that "anata" is rude and I don't seem to trust him, or maybe I'm wrong from the beginning...
I just got a farewell letter from one of my good friends here as I'm leaving Osaka in a few days, and it was filled with anatas. Actually it was the first time I'd seen it written in kanji as 貴方.
Anata itself is a polite word, but when talking to a friend using anata instead of name may sound as if you're trying to keep some distance from your friend.
手前 and お前 look quite alike.
手 = hand
前 = before, previous
How come 手前 mean "you"? What is its literal meaning?
I am familiar with the kanji 様, it is a honorific, isn't it? I just don't understand how 貴様 could have a rude meaning. Can you explain please?