Japanese grammar

What does ～の至り mean? Japanese grammar N1

～の至り means the pinnacle of…; utmost (overflowing emotion).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N1
Structure	N (emotion) + の至り
Romaji	noitari
Meaning	the pinnacle of…; utmost (overflowing emotion)

Forming it

Fixed phrase (honor)	光栄 + の至り
Fixed phrase (embarrassment)	赤面 + の至り

How to use it

Expresses an emotion at its highest level in formal greetings/speeches. A fixed, very limited set of phrases.

「～の至り」 = an emotion rising to its highest point, used in formal speeches: 「光栄の至り」 (what an honor), 「赤面の至り」 (how embarrassing).
The number of usable phrases is VERY LIMITED — mainly 光栄・赤面・感激; don't coin new noun combinations.
Different from 「～の極み」 (N1-150), which is used more broadly and for states in general, not only in greetings.

Examples

このような場(ば)にお招(まね)きいただき、光栄(こうえい)の至(いた)りです。
To be invited to such an occasion is the greatest honor.
準備(じゅんび)不足(ふそく)をお詫(わ)びします。赤面(せきめん)の至(いた)りです。
I apologize for the poor preparation — I’m utterly embarrassed.

Keep in mind

Only with a few fixed expressions.
Used in formal speeches/letters.

Common mistakes

Wrong驚(おどろ)きの至(いた)りだ。

It's the height of surprise.

Correct驚(おどろ)きの極(きわ)みだ。

「の至り」 is only used with a few FIXED phrases (光栄・赤面・感激); other cases use 「の極み」.
Wrong光栄(こうえい)の至(いた)りしました。

It is a great honor.

Correct光栄(こうえい)の至(いた)りです。

「の至り」 is a noun, ending with 「です／だ」.

Exam tips

「の至り」 = a formal fixed phrase (光栄/赤面の至り); for broader use, use 「の極み」.

Related patterns

All N1 grammar →