恐縮

• Reading: きょうしゅく
• Romaji: kyōshuku
• Kanji breakdown: 恐 (kyō) — fear, awe; 縮 (shuku) — shrink, contract
• Pronunciation: /kʲo.ː.ɕɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

Feeling obliged; being sorry; deeply grateful and apologetic. A polite expression of being humbled and overwhelmed by another's kindness or inconvenience caused.

A noun and suru-verb used extensively in formal Japanese to express both apology and gratitude simultaneously. 恐縮です (I'm deeply obliged) and 恐縮ですが (I'm sorry to trouble you, but…) are indispensable in business and polite contexts. The character 縮 (to shrink) evokes the image of making oneself small before another out of humility.

Examples

1. ご丁寧にお礼をいただき、恐縮です。 I'm deeply grateful for such a kind expression of thanks.
2. こんなに手間をかけていただいて、恐縮しております。 I feel terribly obliged that you've gone to so much trouble for me.
3. 先生にわざわざお越しいただき、恐縮いたしました。 I was truly humbled that the professor went out of his way to come in person.

Usage Guide

Context: business communication, formal apology, polite speech

Tone: humble

Origin & History

From 恐 (kyō) meaning 'fear' or 'awe' and 縮 (shuku) meaning 'to shrink.' The compound suggests shrinking with awe before someone's generosity or formidable presence.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional