What does it mean word for word?
The noun 恐縮 (kyoushuku) literally refers to a feeling of being overwhelmed by someone's kindness or feeling small/humbled in their presence.
Which one should you use?
While ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) is a standard 'thank you', 恐縮です is used specifically to deflect praise with humility, making it more appropriate in professional or high-respect settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
恐縮です is a formal way to respond to praise, conveying that you are actually somewhat embarrassed or overwhelmed by the compliment rather than just saying 'thank you'. In contrast, ありがとうございます is a polite expression used to say thank you in formal situations and ありがとう is the standard, casual way to say thank you.
How do you pronounce it?
kyoushuku desu
When do people say it?
Using this phrase communicates that you are reacting to a compliment by showing humility rather than just accepting the praise. For a more personal touch, one might use はい、本当に嬉しいです to emphasize that you are sincerely happy and grateful for the compliment received.
Did you know?
- The word 恐縮 contains the kanji for 'fear' or 'dread', 恐, and 'shrink' or 'contract', 縮. Using this phrase literally translates to a feeling of shrinking away from someone due to the overwhelming weight of their kindness.
- The concept of 恐縮 is so powerful that it can also be used to apologize for bothering someone. In that context, it functions as a way to say 'I am sorry to trouble you' by expressing how humbled you feel to be receiving their time or attention.
- In Japanese business etiquette, accepting a compliment too directly with a simple 'thank you' can sometimes be perceived as arrogance. Using 恐縮です functions as a linguistic shield that protects your modesty and preserves the social hierarchy.
Examples in context
- え、本当に？ありがとうございます (E, hontou ni? Arigatou gozaimasu)Oh, really? Thank you so much!
- まだまだ勉強中ですが、そう言ってもらえて嬉しいです (Mada mada benkyou-chuu desu ga, sou itte moraete ureshii desu)I'm still learning, but it makes me happy to hear that.
- お褒めにあずかり、恐縮です。Ohome ni azukari, kyoushuku desu.I am humbled by your kind words.
- もったいないお言葉で、恐縮です。Mottainai okotoba de, kyoushuku desu.I am humbled by such generous praise.
- そんな風に言っていただけて、恐縮です。Sonna fuu ni itte itadakete, kyoushuku desu.I am humbled that you would say such a thing.
Example conversation
Misaki is receiving high praise from Kenta regarding her professional skills.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんの仕事の進め方は、本当に素晴らしいですね。Misaki-san no shigoto no susumekata wa, hontou ni subarashii desu ne.Misaki, the way you handle your work is truly wonderful.
- 美咲 Misakiそう言っていただけて、恐縮です。Sou itte itadakete, kyoushuku desu.I am humbled that you would say so.
- 健太 Kentaいえ、本当に尊敬していますよ。Ie, hontou ni sonkei shite imasu yo.No, I truly respect you.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
