The Commonplace Honorifics
These honorifics are everyday words you are likely to encounter in speech or written text.
San – the most commonplace honorific, used for a degree of respect, mostly among equals.
Kun – for addressing younger people or those of lower status or among male friends. Contrary to popular belief, this can also be used for girls (but is much rarer).
Chan – an honorific showing that you find the recipient endearing.
Tan – a slightly more endearing version of “-chan”.
Bō – like “-chan”, but exclusively for young boys.
Senpai – for addressing those who are older (or sometimes of a higher grade).
Kōhai – for addressing those who are younger (or sometimes of a lower grade).
Sama – a respectful version of “-san” for use when talking to a person of higher rank such as customers or bosses at a company.
Sensei – used for teachers and those who have achieved a degree of mastery in some sort of skill.
Hakase – used in similar usage to “-sensei” but for those with very high academic expertise.
Shi – similar in meaning to the word “master”, it denotes a very formal tone and degree of respect.
Dono – an honorific meaning “lord” or “master” when used. It does not exactly denote nobleness, but rather a sense of servitude. It is not as respectful as “-sama”.

The Rare Honorifics
These honorifics do not appear as often as the ones above, and aren’t necessary to know.
Iemoto – a politer version of “-sensei” which is used only for the highest ranking people in art forms.
Yōgisha - used for suspects in court cases.
Jukeisha - used for convicts in court cases.
Hikoku - used when referring to a lawyer in court cases.
Ue - largely uncommon, but denotes a level of respect, and literally means "higher".