This paper examines the behaviour of the equivalents of ‘give’ in Lhasa Tibetan in order to confirm, qualify or invalidate the universal tendencies that previous cross-linguistic research has unveiled (Newman 1996, Ed., 1997). The most basic term sprad has not developed much beyond its literal meaning, whereas the hypernymic btang is used as a light verb whose constructions can be divided into several categories of meaning. Gnang is the honorific form of sprad, and phul is its humilific form. While sprad is not used as a light verb, its honorific and humilific counterparts are very productive light verbs. To explain this phenomenon, we will explore the honorific domain, and its systematization in Lhasa Tibetan (DeLancey 1998, Tournadre & Sangda Dorje 1998, Dorje & Lhazom 2002). We argue that the humilific plane is not the symmetrical opposite of the honorific plane, and that the productivity of gnang and phul can be explained by the fact that giving is one of the most basic interpersonal actions of the human behavioural repertoire. This action establishes a link between two humans, which is essential in order for the honorific and humilific notions to emerge.