honorific title; title of respect
Refers to a respectful form of address or title, such as 様, 先生, or 殿下. Used in formal, official, or polite contexts.
「先生」は教師や医師に対する尊称です。
"Sensei" is an honorific title for teachers and doctors.
The king is given the honorific title 'Your Majesty.'
We add the honorific title "sama" to the addressee's name on letters.
The students address their teacher with the honorific title 'sensei.'
'Denka' is used as an honorific title for members of the imperial family.
呼称 is a neutral term for a name or appellation, whereas 尊称 specifically denotes a respectful, honorific title.
蔑称 is a derogatory or disrespectful term, the direct opposite of 尊称, which is an honorific title of respect.
Compound of 尊 (そん, 'respect') and 称 (しょう, 'name' or 'title'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of a respectful title.