Japatan
Formation
- N + の至り(です)
Explanation
Attached to a limited set of nouns such as 光栄, 恐縮, 感激 and 赤面, it expresses the highest degree of that feeling. It is very formal and used in speeches, greetings and letters about one's own feelings. 若気の至り is a set phrase meaning a mistake made because one was young and inexperienced.
Examples
このような賞をいただき、光栄の至りです。
It is the greatest honor to receive such an award.
先生にわざわざお越しいただき、恐縮の至りです。
I am deeply grateful that you took the trouble to come, Professor.
皆様の前でお名前を間違えてしまい、赤面の至りです。
I am truly embarrassed to have gotten your name wrong in front of everyone.
学生時代に髪を青く染めたのは、若気の至りだった。
Dyeing my hair blue as a student was a youthful indiscretion.
Notes
It only combines with certain nouns, so learn the set phrases. Unlike の極み, の至り is mainly for politely stating one's own feelings and is not normally used to criticize others.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1社長から直接お褒めの言葉をいただき、光栄（ ）です。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 の至り
Receiving words of praise directly from the president is the greatest honor. 光栄の至りです is a formal set phrase; ならでは (unique to), に至る (reach a stage) and とあって (because) do not fit the meaning.
2若い頃、入った会社を三日で辞めたのは（ ）だった。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 4 若気の至り
Quitting the company after three days when I was young was a youthful mistake. 若気の至り is a fixed expression; the other combinations are not correct.
3「〜の至り」の使い方が正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 お招きいただき、感激の至りです。
Thank you for inviting me; I am deeply moved. 感激の至り is a formal set phrase. の至り does not attach to words like 雨, 安さ or 運動.
