A very polite and humble introductory phrase used when making a request, asking a question, or drawing attention to something, acknowledging that you might be imposing. It softens the request significantly. Example: "恐れ入りますが、お名前をいただけますか？" (I'm sorry to trouble you, but could I have your name?)

相手に頼み事や質問をする際に、恐縮する気持ちを伝える丁寧な前置き。依頼を柔らかくします。例：「恐れ入りますが、もう一度。」