恭谨 (gōng jǐn) is an adjective meaning 'respectful and modest' — it describes a person’s demeanor when showing sincere reverence while remaining humble and restrained. The first character 恭 (gōng) conveys respect, deference, and courteous behavior — often seen in formal or hierarchical interactions. The second character 谨 (jǐn) adds the nuance of caution, prudence, and modesty: not just outward politeness, but inner restraint and self-awareness. Together, they form a refined, somewhat literary term that emphasizes both attitude and conduct.

This word is commonly used in written Chinese or formal speech — for example, describing how a junior colleague behaves toward a senior mentor, or how a student addresses a revered teacher. It carries a classical tone and appears frequently in historical texts, biographies, and formal evaluations. While related to everyday terms like 有礼貌 (yǒu lǐmào, 'polite'), 恭谨 implies deeper sincerity and moral seriousness, not just social convention.