恐れ入ります

• 読み: おそれいります
• ローマ字: osore irimasu
• 漢字の分解: 恐 (fear/dread) + 入 (enter) → to be filled with awe/trepidation. ります = polite present form
• 発音: /o.so.ɾe.i.ɾi.ma.sɯ/

意味

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.'

例文

1. 恐れ入りますが、少々お時間をいただけますか。
2. わざわざお越しいただき、恐れ入ります。
3. 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。

使い方ガイド

場面: business, customer service, formal requests, polite conversation

トーン: humble, deferential

正しい言い方

• 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?)
• 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)

避ける言い方

• 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)

よくある間違い

• 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

起源と歴史

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.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional keigo expression

世代: All ages (formal contexts)

社会的背景: Business/formal

地域メモ: Used nationwide in formal settings. An essential phrase for Japanese business etiquette, especially in customer-facing roles.