expression
I'm very sorry (for the trouble); thank you very much; I'm honored
A humble set phrase used to express deep apology for causing inconvenience, sincere gratitude for a favor, or a feeling of being undeserving of kindness. Often used in formal situations, customer service, or when receiving a gift or special treatment.
お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、少々お時間をいただけますか。
I'm very sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could you spare me a moment?
わざわざお越しいただき、恐れ入ります。
Thank you very much for coming all this way; I'm truly grateful.
こんなに素敵な贈り物をいただき、恐れ入ります。
I'm deeply honored to receive such a wonderful gift.
From the humble verb 恐れ入る (to feel sorry, to be overwhelmed with gratitude), which combines 恐れ (fear/awe) and 入る (to enter). The expression literally means 'fear enters me,' conveying a sense of being deeply moved or apologetic.