Janab

Janab is an honorific title used in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic to address a person with respect. It is typically placed before the name or title of the addressee and functions similarly to Sir, Mr., or Your Honour in formal address. In speech, writing, and media, it signals deference and formality and is common in traditional or ceremonial contexts.

Origin and nuance: The term derives from the Arabic janāb, meaning presence or dignity, and its use reflects social norms of courtesy in many South Asian and Middle Eastern communities. Janab is generally considered formal or traditional; in everyday casual language it may sound old-fashioned or overly deferential.

Variants and related terms: transliterations include Janaab or Janāb. It is related to other honorifics such as Sahib and Hazrat, which convey varying degrees of respect and formality. In writing, Janab can accompany names or titles, and in journalism and literature it may appear in reports and discussions addressing public figures.

As a name: While uncommon as a stand-alone given name, Janab can appear as part of compound titles or as a surname in some communities, reflecting its origin as an honorific rather than a personal name.