恐れ入ります
Meaning
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.'
Examples
- 恐れ入りますが、少々お時間をいただけますか。 I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you spare a moment of your time?
- わざわざお越しいただき、恐れ入ります。 Thank you so much for coming all this way — I'm truly grateful.
- 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。 I'm sorry to trouble you — could you please fill out this form?
Usage Guide
Context: business, customer service, formal requests, polite conversation
Tone: humble, deferential
Do Say
- 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)
Don't Say
- 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)
Common Mistakes
- 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
Origin & History
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.
Cultural Context
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.
Related Phrases
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