A highly formal opening for a letter, expressing deep respect to the recipient. It is more formal than '拝啓' (haikei) and is used in solemn or particularly important correspondence.
謹啓Primary
This is a very polite way to start a letter. It shows great respect to the person you are writing to. You use it for very serious or important letters.
謹啓 時下ますますご清栄のこととお慶び申し上げます。
Sincerely, I hope this letter finds you well and prosperous.
謹啓 晩秋の候、貴社におかれましてはますますご発展のことと拝察いたします。
Sincerely, in this late autumn season, I trust that your company continues to achieve ever greater development.
謹啓 平素は格別のご支援を賜り、厚く御礼申し上げます。
Sincerely, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your constant and exceptional support.
謹啓 この度の弊社製品の不具合により、多大なるご迷惑をおかけしましたことを、心よりお詫び申し上げます。
Sincerely, I wish to offer my deepest apologies for the significant trouble caused by the defect in our company's product on this occasion.
謹啓 先日は、弊社創立五十周年記念祝賀会にご臨席を賜り、誠にありがとうございました。
Sincerely, thank you very much for gracing our company's 50th anniversary celebration with your presence the other day.
This is much more formal than 拝啓 (haikei). You use 拝啓 for normal business letters. You use this for very important letters. It is for serious messages. It is also much more formal than 前略 (zenryaku). 前略 means you skip all polite greetings.
Don't use this when you are speaking. Don't use this for emails. This is for very old-fashioned letters.
Use this when you start a very formal letter. It shows deep respect. You must also use a special closing word with it. This closing word is usually "謹言" or "敬具". Not using one is very bad manners.
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