This article will give you all of the knowledge you need on the Japanese word kyoushuku, including its Japanese definition and translation, example sentences, related expressions and more!
Contents
What does kyoushuku mean?
Kyoushuku is a polite word in Japanese that means sorry to trouble you. Alternatively, it can also mean thank you. The difference in meaning is usually obvious from the context.
Let’s take a look at some examples of how to use it.
To make it easier for you, I have written each sentence in full Japanese kanji in the first line, followed by roman letters (romaji), and hiragana, with the English meaning coming last.
Making a request
To apologize for inconveniencing someone when making a request, add desu ga after kyoushuku.
恐縮ですが、明日までにご返信お願いします。
Kyoushuku desu ga, ashita made ni gohenshin wo onegaishimasu.
きょうしゅくですが、あしたまでにごへんしんおねがいします。
Sorry to trouble you, but please reply by tomorrow.
恐縮ですが、ご確認ください。
Kyoushuku desu ga, go kakunin kudasai.
きょうしゅくですが、ごかくにんください。
Sorry to bother you, but please kindly confirm.
As you can see, kyoushuku tends to be used in business or other situations that call for a certain amount of politeness. Adding taihen to the beginning of the sentence makes it even more polite!
大変恐縮ですが、ご対応をお願いします。
Taihen kyoushuku desu ga, gotaiou wo onegaishimasu.
たいへんきょうしゅくですが、ごたいおうをおねがいします。
I am really sorry to trouble you, but could you please handle this?
Saying thank you
Next, let’s turn to the second meaning of expressing gratitude or saying thank you.
お忙しいところ、お電話をいただき恐縮です。
Oisogashii tokoro, odenwa wo itadaki kyoushuku desu.
おいそがしいところ、おでんわをいただききょうしゅくです。
I’m sure you are busy, so thank you so much for calling.
これは恐縮です。
Kore wa kyoushuku desu.
これはきょうしゅくです。
I really appreciate you doing this.
Other ways of expressing gratitude
ありがとうございます。
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you.
The most straightforward way to say thank you in Japanese is, of course, arigatou gozaimasu (or just arigatou in more casual settings). Kyoshuku expresses deeper gratitude than arigatou.
Check out some examples below for other ways to say thank you.
ありがとう。助かった！
Arigatou. Tasukatta!
ありがとう。たすかった！
Thanks. That was a big help!
どうもありがとう。
Domo arigatou.
Thank you very much.
You can also use domo on its own. In this case, its meaning is something close to cheers in British English.
どうも！
Domo!
Cheers!
As in English, you can also use an apology as a way of thanking someone. This is very commonly used in Japanese.
お手数おかけしてすみません。
Otesuu wo okakeshite sumimasen.
おてすうをおかけしてすみません。
Sorry for troubling you (polite)
面倒をかけてごめんね。
Mendou wo kakete gomen ne.
めんどうをかけてごめんね。
Sorry for putting you through that (casual).
It probably comes as no surprise that Japanese is a polite language with many ways of expressing gratitude and making requests. Kyoushuku is a useful word to know, especially if you plan on working in Japan. Try to remember it!
Rohan's favorite resource for learning Japanese is JapanesePod101, one of the best tools for getting started with the language. Sign up for a free lifetime account here.
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