の至り
Utmost, Height of, Extreme, Heartiest, Such a, Very, really, Completely, Deeply
Structure
Explanation
の至り is a formal, fixed phrase used to emphasize that (A) has reached its absolute peak or highest degree. It is most often used in a positive sense, but not always. This expression is formed by combining the particle の with the noun 至り, which means 'pinnacle' or 'height'.
This grammar is often translated as 'the height of (A)', 'truly (A)', or 'extremely (A)'. To form this pattern, simply add の至り directly after a noun that represents the concept being taken to its extreme.
- このように権威ある賞をいただき、光栄の至りです。It is the utmost honor to receive such a prestigious award.
- 皆さんの前でミスをしてしまい、赤面の至りでした。I was mortified after making a mistake in front of everyone.
- 皆様からの温かいお言葉、感謝の至りです。I am truly grateful for everyone's kind words.
The noun (A) is typically one that expresses a deep feeling that can be felt intensely in specific circumstances. Common examples include 光栄 (honor), 赤面 (blushing with shame), 感謝 (gratitude), and 恐縮 (being grateful/humbled).
Fun Fact
若気の至り is a fixed idiom used to describe a mistake made due to the recklessness or poor judgment of youth. The noun 若気 itself can be translated as 'youthful spirit' or 'impetuosity'.
- あの変なタトゥーを入れたのは、全くもって若気の至りでした。Getting that weird tattoo was purely an act of youthful folly.
Examples
映画監督：「自分の作品が最優秀作品賞に選ばれるとは、感激の至りです。」
Film Director: 'For my work to be chosen for the Best Picture award, I am deeply moved.'
身に余るお言葉を頂戴し、恐縮の至りでございます。
To receive such undeservedly high praise, I am extremely humbled.
尊敬する先生からこのような推薦状をいただき、光栄の至りです。
Receiving such a letter of recommendation from a professor I admire is an extreme honor.
祖父：「今思えば、あの派手な髪型は若気の至りだったなあ。」
Grandfather: 'Thinking back on it now, that flashy hairstyle was just a moment of youthful folly.'
スピーチの途中で人の名前を間違えるなんて、赤面の至りだった。
Getting someone's name wrong in the middle of a speech was the height of embarrassment.
この度は、お忙しい中ご臨席賜り、幸甚の至りに存じます。
We are extremely grateful that you could attend despite your busy schedule.
卒業生：「先生には三年間大変お世話になり、感謝の至りです。」
Graduating Student: 'Teacher, you have taken such great care of me for three years, and you have my deepest thanks.'
専門家として、こんな基本的なことを見落としていたとは汗顔の至りです。
As an expert, to have overlooked something so basic is extremely embarrassing.
憧れの作家先生と一緒にお仕事ができるなんて、光栄の至りです。
To be able to work together with the author I've always admired is the greatest of honors.
あの時の喧嘩は、全くもって若気の至りだったと反省している。
I regret that fight we had back then; it was truly an act of youthful indiscretion.
主催者：「本日は、遠方よりお越しいただき、恐縮の至りです。」
Host: 'We are most grateful to you all for coming from so far away today.'
みんなが私のためにサプライズパーティーを開いてくれるなんて、感激の至りだよ。
I'm overwhelmed with joy that everyone threw a surprise party for me.
サッカー選手：「あの場面でのパスミスは、痛恨の至りです。」
Soccer Player: 'That passing error at that critical moment is a matter of deepest regret.'
大勢の人の前で派手に転んでしまった。今思い出しても赤面の至りだ。
I took a big spill in front of a huge crowd. Even now, just thinking about it is mortifying.