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恐縮ですが (kyōshuku desu ga - Excuse me, but...)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

formal, polite

How it works

This phrase combines the noun 恐縮 (kyōshuku, meaning 'being humbled/feeling obliged/apologetic') with the polite copula です (desu), followed by the conjunctive particle が (ga). が here functions to connect two clauses, often implying a reservation, a polite interruption, or an introduction to a request/statement that might cause inconvenience. It translates as 'but' or 'although'.

Sample sentences

恐縮ですが、こちらの書類に目を通していただけますでしょうか？

Excuse me, but would you mind looking over these documents?

大変恐縮ですが、会議の時間を変更していただくことは可能でしょうか？

I'm very sorry to trouble you, but would it be possible to change the meeting time?

恐縮ですが、もう一度ご説明いただけますか？

Excuse me, but could you please explain it one more time?

Quick facts

nuance:Less about expressing deep sorrow and more about acknowledging potential imposition or trouble caused.

politeness:This is a highly polite and humble expression used to preface a request, question, or statement that might impose on the listener or cause them inconvenience. It conveys humility and apology before making a demand.

usageContext:Commonly used in business settings, formal communications, or when speaking to superiors or strangers.

Often used with

恐縮ですが、お願いしてもよろしいでしょうか？

大変恐縮ですが、一度お話しさせていただけませんか？

恐縮ですが、お名前をもう一度伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？

恐縮ですが、お先に失礼させていただきます。

Mnemonic

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Example

恐縮ですが、こちらの書類に目を通していただけますでしょうか？

Excuse me, but would you mind looking over these documents?

大変恐縮ですが、会議の時間を変更していただくことは可能でしょうか？

I'm very sorry to trouble you, but would it be possible to change the meeting time?