Polite apprehension (เกรงว่า)

Polite Apprehension: เกรงว่า

When delivering unfavorable news gracefully, Thai uses the polite expression เกรงว่า (I am afraid that...). This phrase softens a refusal or negative statement.

Place เกรงว่า directly before the clause containing the bad news. This clause often includes the future marker จะ.

เกรงว่า + [Clause (often containing จะ)]

Here is how to politely inform a guest that you cannot serve (เสิร์ฟ) an item or accommodate (รองรับ) their needs:

You can also use เกรงว่า to express concern about potential negative outcomes, like an issue affecting (กระทบ) your standards (มาตรฐาน) or causing a hitch (ติดขัด).

Discussing Specifics and Shortfalls

When handling complex requests or following up on details a client has specified (ระบุ), เกรงว่า helps manage expectations respectfully.

Notice how เกรงว่า can also be followed by a simple present-tense statement of fact, without needing จะ, such as not having enough pillows (หมอน).