身みに余あまる光こう栄えい

Meanings

undeserved honor; too great an honor

A humble set phrase used to express that an honor or recognition is more than one deserves. Often used in formal speeches or letters when receiving a compliment, award, or position.

このような賞しょうをいただき、身みに余あまる光こう栄えいです。
Receiving such an award is an honor I do not deserve.
身みに余あまる光こう栄えいと存ぞんじます。
I consider it an honor far beyond my merits.

See all 5 example sentences ›

Kanji

身somebody, person, one's station in life
余too much, myself, surplus
光ray, light
栄flourish, prosperity, honor

Related words

光こう栄えい
光栄 is a general noun meaning 'honor' or 'glory', while 身に余る光栄 is a fixed humble expression specifically for an honor one feels unworthy of.
恐きょう縮しゅく
恐縮 expresses a similar feeling of being undeserving or apologetic, but is broader and can be used for any situation where one feels indebted or sorry, not limited to honor.

Built from

身み+余あまる+光こう栄えい

Written forms

身みに余あまる光こう栄えい
Standard kanji spelling for this set phrase.
身みにあまる光こう栄えい
Kana-mixed variant; the に is often written in kana for readability.

Etymology

A set phrase combining 身 (oneself), に (particle), 余る (to be more than, to exceed), and 光栄 (honor). The literal meaning is 'honor that exceeds oneself'.