恐縮
恐縮する · noun or participle which takes 'suru'
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 恐縮する | 恐縮しない |
| Polite | 恐縮します | 恐縮しません |
| Past polite | 恐縮しました | 恐縮しませんでした |
| Past | 恐縮した | 恐縮しなかった |
| Te-form | 恐縮して | 恐縮しないで |
| Desire | 恐縮したい | 恐縮したくない |
| Potential | 恐縮できる | 恐縮できない |
| Passive | 恐縮される | 恐縮されない |
| Causative | 恐縮させる | 恐縮させない |
| Causative passive | 恐縮させられる | 恐縮させられない |
| Volitional | 恐縮しよう | |
| Polite volitional | 恐縮しましょう | |
| Imperative | 恐縮しろ | 恐縮するな |
| Conditional | 恐縮すれば | 恐縮しなければ |
| Tara conditional | 恐縮したら | 恐縮しなかったら |
Meanings
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
grateful; obliged; thankful
Expresses a polite, somewhat formal feeling of being indebted or grateful for someone's kindness or trouble. Often used in business or formal settings.
I am very grateful for your kindness.
I feel much obliged that you came all this way.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Used to apologize for causing trouble, making a mistake, or receiving excessive praise/hospitality. Often appears before a request as 恐縮ですが to soften it.
I'm sorry to trouble you, but may I ask your name again?
I feel embarrassed by your excessive praise.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
cowering in fear
Archaic sense; literally shrinking back in fear. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
In classical literature, there are depictions of people cowering in fear before an enemy.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉で恐縮ですがused to politely soften a request or remark by apologizing in advance
I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could I have a moment of your time?
- 〈事〉に恐縮するto feel grateful and humbled by someone's kindness or favor
I am deeply grateful for my teacher's kindness.
- 〜していただき恐縮ですused to thank someone humbly for doing something on one's behalf
I'm grateful, and a bit embarrassed, that you went out of your way to come.