丁重

• Reading: ていちょう
• Romaji: teicho
• Kanji breakdown: 丁 (tei/cho) — correct, careful; 重 (ju/omo) — heavy, weighty, respect
• Pronunciation: /teː.tɕoː/

Meaning

Polite; courteous; respectful; showing careful and attentive consideration for another person. Used to describe communication or treatment that is notably thorough and respectful.

A na-adjective often paired with に to form the adverb 丁重に (politely, with due respect). Unlike 丁寧 (careful, meticulous), 丁重 carries a stronger sense of respectful formality toward the other person, especially when the relationship calls for deference. A 丁重なお断り is a polite refusal — a firm no expressed with maximum courtesy.

Examples

1. 先方からの申し出を丁重にお断りした。 I politely declined the offer from the other party.
2. 丁重なもてなしに感激し、思わず涙がこぼれた。 I was so moved by the courteous hospitality that tears came unbidden.
3. 丁重な言葉遣いで断られると、かえって返す言葉がなくなる。 When turned down with such courtesy, one is left with no words to reply.

Usage Guide

Context: business communication, formal correspondence, social etiquette

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From 丁 (tei — correct, careful) and 重 (cho — heavy, weighty, respectful). Together they convey thorough, weighty care in one's conduct toward others.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional and educated