恐縮です

• 読み: きょうしゅくです
• ローマ字: kyoushuku desu
• 漢字の分解: 恐 (fear/awe) + 縮 (shrink/contract) → to shrink with awe/gratitude. です = polite copula
• 発音: /kʲo.ɯ.ɕɯ.kɯ.de.sɯ/

意味

A highly formal expression meaning 'I'm much obliged' or 'I feel unworthy of your kindness' — the ultimate humble acknowledgment.

恐縮です is one of the most formal expressions of humble gratitude in Japanese. It conveys a sense of being so grateful that you almost feel embarrassed or unworthy. It is used in business emails, formal speeches, and high-register conversations. While it might sound excessive to casual ears, in Japanese business culture it is a perfectly natural expression of deep respect and appreciation.

例文

1. お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご確認いただけますでしょうか。
2. 身に余るお言葉、恐縮です。
3. 恐縮ですが、一点ご質問させていただきます。

使い方ガイド

場面: business emails, formal meetings, polite requests, speeches

トーン: deeply humble, deferential

正しい言い方

• 恐縮ですが、明日までにお返事いただけますか (I'm terribly sorry to ask, but could you reply by tomorrow?)
• このような機会をいただき恐縮です (I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity)

避ける言い方

• 日常会話で「恐縮です」は大げさ — 「ありがたいです」で十分 (Using 恐縮です in daily conversation is overkill — ありがたいです is sufficient)

よくある間違い

• Using 恐縮です in casual settings — it sounds absurdly formal among friends
• Overusing it in emails — once or twice per email is enough; more becomes sycophantic

起源と歴史

From 恐 (fear/awe) + 縮 (shrink/contract), literally 'to shrink with awe.' Expresses the feeling of being so overwhelmed by someone's kindness that you feel physically smaller. A cornerstone of Japanese keigo (honorific language) in business.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional keigo expression

世代: All ages (formal contexts)

社会的背景: Business/formal elite

地域メモ: Used nationwide in formal settings. Essential for Japanese business email etiquette. Often the first word in a polite request email.