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かしこまる Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
sit respectfully ; be stiffly polite ; humble oneself
usually written using kana alone
Describes a formal, stiff posture or attitude, often when showing deference or receiving a scolding. Can also mean to obey respectfully or to humble oneself in a very polite context.
そんな
に
かしこまら
ない
で
、
楽らく
に
し
て
ください
。
Don't be so stiff and formal; please make yourself comfortable.
Written forms かしこまる Usage 89%
Usually written in kana; the kanji spelling 畏まる is rare and may not be recognized by all readers.
畏かしこ まる Usage 11%
Kanji form is uncommon; learners should use the kana spelling.
Kanji 畏 fear, majestic, graciously Similar words 畏かしこ まる Same word, but the kanji spelling is rare and may appear in very formal or literary contexts.
謹つつし む Means to be discreet, refrain, or show respect through careful behavior, often used in written apologies or formal expressions. かしこまる focuses more on stiff, respectful posture or attitude.
Etymology Derived from 畏 (kashiko, 'awe, reverence') + まる (-maru, verb-forming suffix). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it has long been used to express respectful, formal behavior.