Titles in English

Formal Titles in English

In business situations, use formal titles unless the people you meet tell you otherwise. To get someone's attention you can say: "Excuse me, Sir" or "Pardon me, Madam/Ma'am." To greet someone you can say: "Hello Sir" or "Good morning, Madam/Ma'am."

  • Sir (adult male of any age)
  • Ma'am (adult female - North American)
  • Madam (adult female)
  • Mr + last name (any man)
  • Mrs + last name (married woman who uses her husband's last name)
  • Ms + last name (married or unmarried woman; common in business)
  • Miss + last name (unmarried woman)
  • Dr + last name (some doctors go by Dr + first name)
  • Professor + last name (in a university setting)

Informal Titles in English

Casual or very close relationships require an informal form of address:
  • First name (friends, students, children)
  • Miss/Mr + first name (sometimes used by dance or music teachers or childcare workers)

Titles of Affection

When addressing a child, a romantic partner, or a close friend or family member (usually younger) people often use these terms of endearment, also known as "pet names":
  • Honey (child, romantic partner, or younger person)
  • Dear
  • Sweetie
  • Love
  • Darling
  • Babe or Baby (romantic partner)
  • Pal (father or grandfather calls male child)
  • Buddy or Bud (very informal between friends or adult-to-child; can be seen as negative)

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