This is a very polite phrase. You say it before asking a question. You also say it before asking for something. It means 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry to bother you'.
恐れ入りますがPrimary
This is a very polite phrase. You say it before asking a question. You also say it before asking for something. It means 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry to bother you'.
恐れ入りますが、こちらの書類にご記入いただけますでしょうか。
Excuse me, but would you be so kind as to fill out this document?
恐れ入りますが、もう一度お名前をお伺いしてもよろしいでしょうか。
I'm very sorry to ask, but could I have you repeat your name one more time?
恐れ入りますが、その商品は現在取り扱っておりません。
I apologize for the inconvenience, but we do not currently carry that product.
恐れ入りますが、昨日お送りしたメールはご確認いただけましたでしょうか。
I'm sorry to bother you, but were you able to check the email I sent yesterday?
恐れ入りますが、白線の内側までお下がりください。
For your safety, please step back behind the white line.
This phrase is like saying "thank you for helping me" and "sorry to bother you" at the same time. It shows you respect the other person. This makes them more willing to listen to your request.
This is different from お手数ですが (o-tesuu desu ga). That phrase means your request will cause work. 恐れ入りますが (osoreirimasu ga) is for any time you bother someone. It is also different from 失礼ですが (shitsurei desu ga). That phrase means you are being rude. 恐れ入りますが (osoreirimasu ga) means you are sorry to bother them.
Watch out: Do not use this with friends or family. It sounds too formal. Use "ごめん、〜してくれない？" or "すみません" instead. This phrase is for formal talks, like at work.
Use this when you want to be very polite. It makes your request or question softer. It shows you care about the other person's feelings.
More formal alternatives(1)
Less formal alternatives(2)
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