Illustration: In the entrance hall of a small Japanese office, a rain-soaked visitor bows deeply while a staff member brings a fresh towel and offers their own umbrella. The visitor’s shoulders draw inward, eyebrows lift with embarrassed concern, and one hand hovers as though reluctant to accept still more help.

JLPT N2suru verbLevel estimated by Bebop

恐きょう縮しゅく

kyoushuku

to feel sorry for troubling someone

A polite expression, often used as 恐縮ですが before a request. Note written by AI.

Example sentences

  1. 恐縮きょうしゅくですが、２月にがつ２７日にちの約束やくそくをキャンセルさせてください。

    I am very sorry, but I must cancel our appointment for February 27.

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

  2. 恐縮きょうしゅくですがお手伝てつだい願ねがえませんか。

    May I make so bold as to request your assistance?

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

  3. お時間じかんをとらせて恐縮きょうしゅくです。

    I am sorry to have taken up your valuable time.

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

Kanji in 恐縮

  • 恐fear; dreadOnキョウKunおそれる・おそる・おそろしい
  • 縮shrink; contractOnシュクKunちぢむ・ちぢまる・ちぢめる

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