1.
feeling grateful and apologetic
A feeling of being deeply grateful while also feeling apologetic for causing trouble or inconvenience.
お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご確認をお願いします。
I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could you please check this?
恐縮ですが、もう一度説明していただけますか。
I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you explain once more?
2.
being obliged; feeling indebted
Used in formal contexts to express humble gratitude or polite apology.
ご親切に恐縮しております。
I am most grateful for your kindness.
REGISTER:
This is a formal, polite expression commonly used in business contexts and formal communication.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 恐縮ですが〜 - I'm sorry to trouble you, but... (polite request)
- 恐縮しております - I am very grateful (humble)
- 恐縮です - used as filler in polite conversation
USAGE:
- 恐縮する - to feel grateful/apologetic
- 恐縮至極存じます - extremely formal expression of gratitude
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 恐れ入ります - I'm sorry/Thank you (polite)
- 申し訳ありません - I'm sorry (apology)
- ありがたい - grateful (less formal)
Related Words
Related:
恐れ入ります (similar polite expression)