Definition
诚惶诚恐 is a four-character idiom originally from ancient memorials to the emperor, expressing extreme awe and fear. In modern usage, it is often used humorously or self-deprecatingly to mean 'I am overwhelmed with gratitude/honor' or 'I feel very flustered and unworthy.' It is not a literal description of terror but a polite, often playful way to show humility when receiving praise, gifts, or a favor.
f.e.
(idiom, often humorous) to be overcome with a mix of awe and gratitudeto be nervously honored(original literal sense) reverently fearful
Examples
- ，诚惶诚恐。Dédào nín de kuājiǎng, wǒ shízài chéng huáng chéng kǒng.I really feel overwhelmed to receive your praise.
- ，“诚惶诚恐，诚惶诚恐”。Tā shōu dào le lǐwù, liánmáng shuō “chéng huáng chéng kǒng, chéng huáng chéng kǒng”.Upon receiving the gift, he quickly said, 'I'm so honored, I'm so honored.'
- ，诚惶诚恐。Miàn duì dàjiā de zhǎngshēng, tā chéng huáng chéng kǒng de shuō zìjǐ zhǐshì zuò le fèn nèi de shì.Facing everyone's applause, he humbly said he was just doing his duty.
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