ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Honorifics

Okay kiddo, so have you ever heard people call their bosses "Mr." or "Ms." or even their grandparents "Grandma" or "Grandpa"? Those are honorifics! They are special words we use to show respect or honor to someone who is older, more important or has a higher status than us.

In some countries like Japan, honorifics are used very often and are very important. They are like special titles people use after someone's name to show respect. For example, if you meet someone older than you, you might call them "Ojisan" which means "uncle" in Japanese to show respect.

In some cultures, people use honorifics to show respect to people who are important to them. For example, in Korea, people might call someone who is older than them "hyung" or "noona" which means "older brother" or "older sister" to show respect.

In short, honorifics are special words we use to show respect and honor to people who are older, more important or have a higher status than us.
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