恐れ多い · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 恐れ多い | 恐れ多くない |
| Polite | 恐れ多いです | 恐れ多くないですalso 恐れ多くありません |
| Past polite | 恐れ多かったです | 恐れ多くなかったですalso 恐れ多くありませんでした |
| Past | 恐れ多かった | 恐れ多くなかった |
| Te-form | 恐れ多くて | 恐れ多くなくて |
| Adverbial | 恐れ多く | |
| Conditional | 恐れ多ければ | 恐れ多くなければ |
| Tara conditional | 恐れ多かったら | 恐れ多くなかったら |
awesome; awe-inspiring; august
Expresses deep respect or reverence for someone or something of great status, often implying that one feels unworthy or overwhelmed. Used in formal or literary contexts.
It is an awe-inspiring honor to be able to meet His Majesty the Emperor.
そのような恐れ多いお言葉をいただき、光栄に存じます。
I am honored to receive such gracious words from you.
presumptuous; discourteous (to a superior); lacking due respect
Used to apologize or express humility when one's actions or words might seem disrespectful toward a superior or someone of higher status. Often appears in set phrases like 恐れ多いですが or 恐れ多いことながら.
恐れ多いですが、一言申し上げてもよろしいでしょうか。
I hope it is not too presumptuous of me, but may I say a word?
恐れ多いことながら、私からご説明させていただきます。
With all due respect, please allow me to explain.