In Chinese-speaking societies around the world, an honorific title is attached after the family name of an individual when addressing that person.
Aside from addressing colleagues or family of equal or lesser rank, it is considered impolite to refer to others by their name only.
The most common honorific titles are similar to the English Mr, Sir, Mrs, Ms, Miss, Madam, etc.
The Chinese titles, unlike in English, always follow the name of the person and can stand alone.
Chinese people often address professionals in formal situations by their occupational titles.