恐縮です
Meaning
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.
Examples
- 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。 I'm terribly sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could you please check this?
- 身に余るお言葉、恐縮です。 Such kind words — I'm truly humbled.
- 恐縮ですが、一点ご質問させていただきます。 I'm sorry to impose, but may I ask one question?
Usage Guide
Context: business emails, formal meetings, polite requests, speeches
Tone: deeply humble, deferential
Do Say
- 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)
Don't Say
- 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)
Common Mistakes
- 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
Origin & History
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.
Cultural Context
Era: Traditional keigo expression
Generation: All ages (formal contexts)
Social background: Business/formal elite
Regional notes: Used nationwide in formal settings. Essential for Japanese business email etiquette. Often the first word in a polite request email.
Related Phrases
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