Formal to Acquaintance
Cultural · Communication
こんなに良くしていただいて、恐縮です。 — I'm truly humbled by how kind you've been to me. (Cultural · Communication, Formal to Acquaintance, JLPT N3)
You
こんなに良くしていただいて、恐縮です。
こんなによくしていただいて、きょうしゅくです。
I'm truly humbled by how kind you've been to me.
Romaji: Konna ni yoku shite itadaite, kyoushuku desu. / Reply Romaji: Ie, tondemo nai desu.
Reply
いえ、とんでもないです。
いえ、とんでもないです。
Not at all, please don't say that.
Gesture & etiquette
A deeper bow of 20-30 degrees reinforces the sincerity. Make brief eye contact before and after the bow. This phrase works in both verbal and written contexts — in letters, 「恐縮ですが」(I'm sorry to trouble you, but...) introduces a request.
「恐縮」(kyoushuku) expresses being 'overwhelmed with gratitude' — a stronger register than 「ありがとうございます」for situations where someone has gone significantly out of their way for you. It carries a sense of 'I don't deserve this much kindness,' which is culturally appropriate humility.