Douglas DeGidio wrote:

I was just wondering what the real connotations on the suffixs -chan
and -kun are?  I know that theydon't denote boy or girl but I can't
figure out what they do denote.

I believe that -kun is a sign or respect and is used with sempai (upper
classmen), business associates, etc... and that -chan is used with
people whom you have a more intimate relationship with... like
boyfriends, hubbys, good friends, brothers, sisters... I'm not sure of
their exact translations but that's the low down and I think that's how
it works.

Mark Eymer