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    恐れ入りますが (osoreirimasu ga)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    formal, polite

    How it works

    This is a polite introductory phrase used to express hesitation or a degree of apology before making a request, asking a question, or delivering potentially inconvenient news. It literally means "I am filled with awe/dread, but..." or "I'm sorry to trouble you, but...". The "が (ga)" acts as a conjunction meaning "but" or "however", softening the follow-up statement.

    Sample sentences

    恐れ入りますが、もう少し詳しくご説明いただけますでしょうか。

    Excuse me, but could you please explain a little more in detail?

    恐れ入りますが、この書類にサインをいただけますか。

    I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you please sign this document?

    恐れ入りますが、ただいま担当者が席を外しております。

    Excuse me, but the person in charge is currently away from their desk.

    Quick facts

    nuance:Carries a nuance of 'I'm sorry to bother you, but...' or 'I feel deeply humbled to ask/say this, but...'
    politeness:Highly polite, humble expression (謙譲語 kenjougo), used to show deference to the listener and acknowledge that one's request or statement might be an imposition. It softens communication significantly.
    usageContext:Commonly used in customer service, business settings, or when speaking to superiors or strangers. It can precede a request, a question, an instruction, or an apology.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    恐れ入りますが、もう少し詳しくご説明いただけますでしょうか。

    Excuse me, but could you please explain a little more in detail?

    恐れ入りますが、この書類にサインをいただけますか。

    I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you please sign this document?

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