synonym Comparative
恐縮
VS
努めて
Differences Between "恐縮" and "努めて"
Option A
恐縮
Meaning
thank you very much; excuse me for troubling you; I am sorry; I feel awful
Reading
きょうしゅく (kyoushuku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、少々お時間をいただけますでしょうか。
I'm sorry to trouble you when you're busy, but could I have a moment of your time?
Option B
努めて
Meaning
as much as possible; as diligently as possible; to try hard (adverbial)
Reading
つとめて (tsutomete)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は努めて冷静を装っていたが、内心は焦っていた。
He tried his best to appear calm, but inwardly he was panicking.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(thank you very much; excuse me for troubling you; I am sorry; I feel awful)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 恐縮: A polite expression used to show gratitude, apologize, or express a feeling of being burdened or sorry, especially when asking for a favor or receiving something. Formal. 感謝、謝罪、または特に何かを頼む際や受け取る際に、恐縮している気持ちを表す丁寧な表現です。フォーマルな場面で使われます。
- 努めて: 「できる限り」「一生懸命に」といった意味で、ある行動を意識的に努力して行う様子を表す副詞です。/ An adverb meaning 'as much as possible' or 'diligently,' describing the act of consciously making an effort to perform an action.
- 恐縮: A polite expression used to show gratitude, apologize, or express a feeling of being burdened or sorry, especially when asking for a favor or receiving something. Formal. 感謝、謝罪、または特に何かを頼む際や受け取る際に、恐縮している気持ちを表す丁寧な表現です。フォーマルな場面で使われます。
- 努めて: 「できる限り」「一生懸命に」といった意味で、ある行動を意識的に努力して行う様子を表す副詞です。/ An adverb meaning 'as much as possible' or 'diligently,' describing the act of consciously making an effort to perform an action.
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