1.
trouble, bother, inconvenience
A polite way to refer to the trouble or effort someone takes on your behalf. Used when apologizing for causing inconvenience or thanking someone for their effort.
お手数をおかけして申し訳ございません。
I apologize for the trouble I've caused you.
Very polite expression
お手数ですが、確認をお願いします。
I'm sorry for the trouble, but could you please confirm this?
お手数おかけしました。
Thank you for your trouble. / Sorry for the inconvenience.
REGISTER: Formal/Polite
Used in polite and business contexts. The base word 手数 exists but is rarely used alone; お手数 is the standard form.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- お手数をおかけする (to cause trouble)
- お手数ですが... (I'm sorry for the trouble, but...)
- お手数おかけしました (Thank you for your trouble)
- お手数をおかけして申し訳ございません (I deeply apologize for the trouble)
USAGE NOTES:
- お手数ですが is a polite way to preface requests
- Commonly used in business emails, customer service, and formal situations
- Shows consideration for the other person's time and effort
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 面倒をかける (to cause trouble - less formal)
- ご迷惑をおかけする (to cause inconvenience - formal)
- お手間をとらせる (to take up someone's time)