JLPT N5 grammar

〜方（がた）meaning and usage

Meaning

The suffix ～方（がた） forms a relatively polite plural expression when attached to a word referring to a person.

How to form it

  • person方（がた）

How it is used

Attached to words for people, it forms a plural politer than 「たち」: 「先生方」, 「あなた方」. Use it only for people you respect, never for your own side. In 「この方」 the same kanji is read 「かた」 and means “this person”.

Examples

  1. あなた方は立派でした。

    You all were splendid.

  2. 先生方、どうぞこちらへ。

    Teachers, this way, please.

  3. お母さん方、今日はありがとうございました。

    To all the mothers here, thank you for today.

About the example The suffix ～方（がた） turns あなた into あなた方, addressing multiple people. でした makes the statement polite and past tense.