恐おそれながら

お

そ

れ

な

が

ら

Meanings

expression

with all due respect; most humbly

A formal, humble set phrase used before making a request, offering an opinion, or giving a warning to a superior. Often softens the following statement.

恐おそれながら、そのご提てい案あんには賛さん成せいいたしかねます。
With all due respect, I cannot agree with that proposal.
恐おそれながら、一ひと言こと申もうし上あげます。
Most humbly, I would like to say a word.

Kanji

恐fear, dread, awe
乍though, notwithstanding, while
畏fear, majestic, graciously

Related words

恐おそれ入いりますが
Also a humble phrase meaning 'I'm sorry to trouble you, but...' or 'Excuse me, but...'. 恐れながら is more directly deferential and often used when contradicting or warning a superior.
失しつ礼れいながら
Means 'with all due respect' or 'pardon me, but...'. 恐れながら is more humble and formal, while 失礼ながら can be used in slightly less formal situations.

Written forms

恐おそれながら
Standard kanji spelling.
畏おそれながら
Variant using 畏, which emphasizes awe or reverence.
恐おそれ乍ながら
Rare ateji spelling using 乍ら for ながら.

Etymology

From 恐れる (to fear, to be in awe of) + ながら (while). Literally 'while being in awe', it developed into a set phrase expressing deep respect and humility before speaking.