かたじけない

• Reading: かたじけない
• Romaji: katajikenai
• Kanji breakdown: (written in kana; no standard kanji form in modern use)
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.dʑi.ke.na.i/

Meaning

Deeply grateful; profoundly obliged; unworthy of another's kindness. An archaic expression of gratitude so intense the speaker feels humbled.

An archaic i-adjective encountered in historical novels, samurai dramas (jidaigeki), and formal literary writing. Expresses gratitude so deep that the speaker feels unworthy of the favour received. Modern equivalents include ありがたい or 恐縮です, but かたじけない has a more dramatic, feudal nuance. Essential for reading or viewing period works at N1 level.

Examples

1. かたじけない、このご恩は決して忘れません。 I am deeply grateful — I shall never forget this kindness.
2. 殿からのお言葉、まことにかたじけなく存じます。 I am truly honoured and humbled to receive such words from my lord.
3. かたじけないとは思うが、もう一度助けを頼みたい。 I feel unworthy to ask, yet I must once again beg for your help.

Usage Guide

Context: classical literature, period drama, gratitude

Tone: humble

Origin & History

An archaic compound possibly derived from 恥ずかしい (shameful, embarrassed) roots, expressing that one feels embarrassed to receive such undeserved kindness. Used throughout the Edo period in samurai culture and preserved in period literature.

Cultural Context

Era: Feudal

Generation: Adults

Social background: Samurai