Mizo honorifics are a function of the Mizo language. As Mizo is a classifier language, it has honorifics for gender and numerals. [1]
Pa is a honorific referring to father or male. [2] Pa is used to denote masculinity. For example Zirtirtu-pa refers to a male teacher. Nu is the honorific for mother or femininity. For example Zirtirtu-nu refers to a female teacher. [1] Pa would also be used as a hypocorism, for taking on their child's name. In which case, the parent would gain an honorific. A famous example is Vana Pa (Father of Vana). [3]
Pu is a Mizo honorific for men. The honorific for women is known as Pi. [4] The compounded phrase pi leh pu itself refers to ancestors. [5] The honorific can be used in variety of contexts. For example it can be appended as a form of respect towards elders or respected persons. [6] The exception of this honorific is Pi Hmuaki, a poet whose name is synonymous with her honorific rather than Hmuaki. [7]