This phrase is very polite. You use it to say 'thank you' and 'sorry' at the same time. It means you are thankful but also sorry for any trouble.
恐れ入りますPrimary
恐れ入りますが
This phrase is very polite. You use it to say 'thank you' and 'sorry' at the same time. It means you are thankful but also sorry for any trouble.
ご丁寧なご指導、恐れ入ります。
I am most grateful for your detailed guidance.
恐れ入りますが、最寄りの駅はどこでしょうか。
Excuse me for bothering you, but could you tell me where the nearest station is?
先日は遠路はるばるお越しいただき、誠に恐れ入りました。
We were truly grateful that you came all that way to visit us the other day.
お忙しいところ恐れ入ります。A社の田中と申します。
I'm sorry to bother you during your busy time. This is Tanaka from Company A.
社長からお褒めの言葉をいただくとは、恐れ入ります。
To receive such words of praise from the president, I am truly humbled.
It is more polite than "すみません". You use it for bosses or clients. "ありがとうございます" just says thank you. "恐れ入ります" says thank you and sorry for bothering you. "感謝申し上げます" also means thank you but does not say sorry for the trouble.
Don't use this when you talk to friends. It sounds too formal. You also don't use it in negative forms like "恐れ入りません".
Use this when you want to ask for something politely. It makes your request sound softer. It shows you care about the other person's time.
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