恐れ入ります
Significado: A very polite expression meaning 'I'm sorry to trouble you' or 'thank you for your kindness' — used in formal and customer-facing contexts.
恐れ入ります is a high-register phrase that expresses humble gratitude or apologetic deference. It is used when asking someone for a favour, receiving unexpected kindness, or acknowledging an imposition. While too formal for friends, it is essential in business Japanese, customer service, and any situation requiring exceptional politeness. It can express both 'I'm sorry to bother you' and 'I'm grateful for your consideration.'
Ejemplos
- 恐れ入りますが、少々お時間をいただけますか。 打扰一下，能占用您一点时间吗？Disculpe la molestia, ¿podría dedicarme un momento?죄송합니다만, 잠시 시간을 내주실 수 있으십니까.
- わざわざお越しいただき、恐れ入ります。 承蒙您亲自前来，不胜感激。Es muy amable de su parte haber venido hasta aquí.직접 와주시다니 감사합니다.
- 恐れ入ります、こちらの書類にご記入をお願いいたします。 打扰了，麻烦您在这份文件上填写一下。Disculpe, ¿sería tan amable de rellenar este formulario?번거롭게 해드려 죄송합니다, 이 서류에 기입을 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciación
/o.so.ɾe.i.ɾi.ma.sɯ/
Guía de uso
Contexto: business, customer service, formal requests, polite conversation
Tono: humble, deferential
✓ Correcto
- 恐れ入りますが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか (I'm sorry to trouble you, but may I ask your name?)打扰一下，请问可以告诉我您的姓名吗？（I'm sorry to trouble you, but may I ask your name?）Disculpe la molestia, ¿podría decirme su nombre?죄송합니다만, 성함을 여쭤봐도 되겠습니까 (번거롭게 해드려 죄송합니다만, 성함을 여쭤봐도 될까요?)
- ご丁寧にありがとうございます、恐れ入ります (Thank you for your kindness, I'm much obliged)承蒙您的厚意，不胜感激（Thank you for your kindness, I'm much obliged）Muchas gracias por su amabilidad, se lo agradezco enormemente.정중하게 대해주셔서 감사합니다 (친절하게 해주셔서 대단히 감사합니다)
✗ Incorrecto
- 友達に「恐れ入ります」は堅すぎて逆に距離を感じさせる (Using 恐れ入ります with friends is so formal it creates distance)对朋友说「恐れ入ります」太正式了，反而会让人感到疏远（Using 恐れ入ります with friends is so formal it creates distance）Usar「恐れ入ります」con amigos es tan formal que genera distancia.친구에게 「恐れ入ります」는 너무 딱딱해서 오히려 거리감을 느끼게 한다 (친구에게 恐れ入ります를 쓰면 너무 격식차려서 오히려 거리감을 줍니다)
Errores comunes
- Using 恐れ入ります in casual conversation — it belongs exclusively in formal/polite settings
- Thinking it only means 'sorry' — it also expresses gratitude and admiration
Origen e historia
From 恐れ (fear/awe) + 入る (to enter), literally 'to be filled with awe/trepidation.' Originally expressed genuine reverence, it evolved into a standard keigo (honorific language) expression for polite humility in business and formal contexts.
Contexto cultural
Era: Traditional keigo expression
Generation: All ages (formal contexts)
Social background: Business/formal
Regional notes: Used nationwide in formal settings. An essential phrase for Japanese business etiquette, especially in customer-facing roles.
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