To begin with, there are certain preliminary particles which are simply honorific, serving no other purpose whatsoever.

In addition to these there are for every action a small infinity of verbs, each sacred to a different degree of respect.

For instance, to our verb "to give" corresponds a complete social scale of Japanese verbs, each conveying the idea a shade more politely than its predecessor; only the very lowest meaning anything so plebeian as simply "to give." Sets of laudatory or depreciatory adjectives are employed in the same way.

Lastly, the word for "is," which strictly means "exists," expresses this existence under three different forms,--in a matter-of-fact, a flowing, or an inflated style; the solid, liquid, and gaseous states of conversation, so to speak, to suit the person addressed.

But three forms being far too few for the needs of so elaborate a politeness, these are supplemented by many interpolated grades.
Terms of respect are applied not only to those mortals who are held in estimation higher than their fellows, but to all men indiscriminately as well.