As I wrote yesterday, there are several options for the second person pronoun in Japanese. The three most common are "anata," "kimi," and "omae." However, they are not used so frequently because we Japanese usually use the other person's name instead of pronoun.
For example, when I'm chatting with a friend named Yoko in person or via text, I always use "Yoko-san". A Japanese-English bilingual acquaintance of mine blurted out that it is difficult to converse in Japanese when she forgets the other person's name.
In Japanese, the second person pronoun is most frequently encountered in song lyrics. This is probably because it is easier to invoke listeners' emotions if the other party is anonymous in the lyrics.
However, there are of course individual differences. In fact, I frequently use second person pronouns in conversations with my son. I searched our text message history to see what pronouns we were using with each other. My son always uses "anata" to refer to me. On the other hand, I use all three pronouns. I use "anata" normally, use "kimi" when friendly, and use "omae" when I'm super angry.
I'm ashamed to read my texts using "omae". So this time, I vow that I'll never use "omae" anymore.
Is "omae" bad? I am ignorant of Japanese pronouns and their politeness levels.
This is a great topic. Somehow, Japanese second-person pronouns can be quite complicated. I would say, avoid using them🤣, and always try to use people's name. But, like Akiko says, when it's difficult to remember Japanese names, stick to "anata" but don't forget that "anata" is complicated, too; it can also sound a bit direct, in some context, even harsh or rude. But, if you are foreigners learning Japanese, people would not mind. You can use "kimi" with your friends, but not that common in my opinion (I like to use it). Most importantly, NEVER USE "OMAE" unless you're at advanced level, and you know what you're doing😅
I find an interesting Quora answer explaining the difference of the three second person pronouns in Japanese.
I learnt a small amount of Japanese about 20 years ago which I have pretty much forgotten. Never really got as far as politeness levels. I sort of remember hearing about watashi, atashi, ore and boku for I (varying politeness levels and use by men/women) but we never even really learnt a word for you. :)
@Sprouts Yes, sorry for giving you unnecessary information. You don't need to know about "omae" because nobody will use it to you, and you will not use it to anyone.
@Lariza Thank you for clarifying all important things. You could not have been more concise about this complex matter.
@HaroldBlog Thanks to your recommended article, I now know the phrase I should have used as a translation of "相手". It was "people you are talking to".