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.
お手数おかけしました。
Thank you for your trouble. / Sorry for the inconvenience.
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
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)
Related Words
Synonym:
迷惑 (inconvenience)