光栄
kōei
The English word honoured is translated into Japanese as 光栄 (kōei).
光栄 is a noun used to describe something that is respected or represents an honor or glory. For example, to express the verb phrase 'to feel honored', you use 光栄に思う.
Meaning: respected, having received honour (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 光 (light/glory) and 栄 (prosperity/glory).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While you can use the standard verb phrase 光栄に思う to express feeling honored, you should use the humble version 光栄に存じます in very formal or business contexts. This is achieved by replacing the verb 思う with the humble verb 存ずる.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 光栄 as a complete sentence meaning 'It is an honor', you must add the copula です to the noun to form 光栄です. To express the feeling of being honored as a verb phrase, use the noun 光栄 followed by the verb 思う.
How do you pronounce it?
kōei
Did you know?
- When using the humble form 光栄に存じます, you are actually using a verb that originally meant 'to exist' or 'to be' in a very respectful way.
- The concept of 光栄 is visually tied to the idea of 'light' via the kanji 光, making honor something that is seen or radiates outward.
- Using 光栄 in a casual conversation with close friends is often interpreted as a joke or a sarcastic way to sound overly stiff.
Examples in context
- お会いできて光栄です。Oai dekite kouei desu.It is an honour to meet you.
- このような賞をいただき、光栄に思います。Kono you na shou o itadaki, kouei ni omoimasu.I am honoured to receive such an award.
- お招きいただき、光栄です。Omaneki itadaki, kouei desu.I am honoured to be invited.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta meet a famous professor at a seminar.
- 結衣 Yui先生にお会いできて、本当に光栄です。Sensei ni oai dekite, hontou ni kouei desu.It is truly an honour to meet you, Professor.
- 健太 Kentaこちらこそ、お会いできて光栄ですよ。Kochira koso, oai dekite kouei desu yo.The honour is mine to meet you as well.
- 結衣 Yuiお言葉をいただき、光栄です。Okotoba o itadaki, kouei desu.I am honoured by your kind words.
- 健太 Kentaいえいえ、こちらこそ光栄です。Iie iie, kochira koso kouei desu.No, no, the honour is mine.
