JLPT N5 Grammar: たち・がた・ら

たち・がた・ら

 ABOUT: 

■  These are plural markers for personal pronouns or proper nouns for people.

HOW to use:

■ たち: Useful in most any situation. Used with all pronouns except 彼(かれ) (he). Used with nouns and names of people.

→  私(わたし)たち
→ あなたたち
→ 彼女(かのじょ)たち they (female) [彼(かれ) he takes ら in the plural: 彼(かれ)ら they]
→ 青木さんたち the Aokis
→ 生徒(せいと)たち the students

■ がた: This is an honorific plural marker which is mostly used with あなた and a few respectful positions and professions (mother, professor, teacher).

→ あなたがた you (plural; respectful)
→ 先生(せんせい)がた the teachers (respectful)

■ ら: This is the least formal plural marker. It can be used with humble and non-formal pronouns.

→ 僕(ぼく)ら we; us [僕(ぼく) has a humble feel. You can use this with わたし but you wouldn't use it with the honorific わたくし]
→ 君(きみ)ら you (plural) [君(きみ) is also humble. ら can be used withお前(まえ) but not あなた. This is used for one's peers or those younger than you, but not for those older or higher up socially.]
→ 彼(かれ)ら they (male or mixed)
→ 彼女(かのじょ)ら they (female)
→ お前(まえ)ら you guys (a little rude/familiar)