An honorific is a word or expression that conveys esteem or respect and is used in addressing or referring to a person. "Honorific" may refer broadly to the style of language or particular words used, or, as in this article, to specific words used to convey honor to one perceived as a social superior. Sometimes the term is used not quite correctly to refer to a title of honour (honorary title).

Honorifics are usually placed immediately before or after the name of the subject. They may also be used to denote occupation, such as "Doctor", "Father" (for a priest), or "Professor". Some honorifics can act as complete replacements for a name, as in "sir" or "ma'am". Subordinates will often use honorifics as punctuation before asking a superior a question or after responding to an order, "Yes, sir".

Honorifics in various languages and cultures

English honorifics are usually limited to formal situations.

Chinese honorifics vary greatly according to social distinction.

Japanese honorifics are similar to English titles like "Mister" and "Miss," but in Japanese, which has many honorifics, their use is mandatory in many formal and informal social situations. Japanese grammar as a whole tends to function on hierarchy -- honorific stems are appended to verbs and some nouns, and in many cases one word may be exchanged for another word entirely with the same verb- or noun-meaning, but with different honorific connotations. The Japanese personal pronouns are a good example of the honorific hierarchy of the Japanese language--there are five or more words that correspond to each of the English words, "I" and "You".

Korean honorifics vary according to social distinction. The Korean language also distinguishes social differences with special noun and verb endings. The relationship between a speaker or writer and his or her subject and audience is paramount in Korean, and the grammar reflects this. The relationship between speaker/writer and subject is reflected in honorifics, while that between speaker/writer and audience is reflected in speech level.

In Ancient Rome, Roman honorifics like Augustus turned into titles over time.

Indian honorifics abound, covering formal and informal relationships for social, commercial, spiritual and generational links. Honorifics may be prefix, suffix or replacement types. There are many variations across India. In Gujarati, for an uncle who is your mother's brother the replacement honorific "maama" (long 'a' then short 'a') is used and a male friend will often earn the suffix honorific of "bhai".

Opposition

People who have a strong sense of egalitarianism, such as Quakers and certain socialists, eschew honorifics. When addressing or referring to someone, they will use the person's name, an informal pronoun, or some other style implying social equality, such as "brother", "friend", or "comrade".

See also

• Canadian honorifics
• Use of courtesy titles and honorifics in professional writing
• Style (manner of address)

Etiquette | Honorifics | Titles

Höflichkeitsform | 전하 (호칭) | 敬称