光栄です
kōei desu
光栄です (kōei desu) is the Japanese way to say "I am honored".
Use this phrase to express that you feel proud or grateful for a special privilege. It is a more specific way to convey being honored than the general expression 嬉しいです, which is used to express general happiness or joy.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 光栄 means "honor" or "glory".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
光栄です is a formal expression. For a higher level of humility in very formal business or ceremonial settings, you can use 光栄に存じます.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something was an honor in the past, change the copula to the past tense: 光栄でした.
How do you pronounce it?
kōei desu
Did you know?
- The kanji 光 in 光栄 means 'light', suggesting that 'honor' is conceptually linked to radiance or shining brightness in Japanese culture.
- Because 光栄 is such a heavy, formal word, using it for small everyday favors like someone holding a door could come across as sarcastic or overly dramatic.
- While 光栄です is formal, Japanese has a category called kenjougo or humble language, which is designed to lower the speaker's status to elevate the listener.
Examples in context
- このような機会をいただき、ありがたいことですI am honored to have received this opportunity.
- このお声をいただいたこと、光栄に思いますI am honored to have received this voice (invitation).
- お会いできて光栄です。Oai dekite kouei desu.I am honored to meet you.
- このような賞をいただき、光栄です。Kono you na shou o itadaki, kouei desu.I am honored to receive such an award.
- プロジェクトに参加できて光栄です。Purojekuto ni sanka dekite kouei desu.I am honored to participate in the project.
Example conversation
Ren is being invited to give a speech at a ceremony by Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、スピーチをお願いできませんか？Ren-san, supiichi o onegai dekimasen ka?Ren, could you please give a speech?
- 蓮 Renはい、お誘いいただき光栄です。Hai, osasoi itadaki kouei desu.Yes, I am honored to be invited.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。とても嬉しいです。Arigatou gozaimasu. Totemo ureshii desu.Thank you. I am very happy.
- 蓮 Ren精一杯務めさせていただきます。Seiippai tsutome sasete itadakimasu.I will do my very best.
