The kanji 謹 primarily conveys the idea of "carefulness," "reverence," "prudence," or "respect." It suggests a sense of attentiveness and consideration in one's actions and words. It implies a mindful approach, avoiding errors or offense. It also often implies a sense of humility and sincerity.

・On-yomi (音読み): キン (kin) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): つつし（む） (tsutsushi(mu)) – to be careful, to be discreet, to be respectful

⚫︎ 謹んで申し上げます Translation: I respectfully state/say. (Used in formal situations, such as when sending condolences or apologies.) ⚫︎ 謹賀新年 Translation: Happy New Year (formal greeting on New Year's cards). ⚫︎ 謹慎 Translation: Suspension; confinement (as a form of discipline; to be careful of one's actions and behavior, often used in relation to school or workplace.)

The kanji 謹 is a 形声文字 (keisei moji), a phono-semantic compound character. The left side is the radical 言 (言) meaning "speech" or "words." The right side is 堇 (kin), which is a phonetic component, giving the character its sound (kin) and possibly contributing to the meaning of "careful" by association with “small” or “careful work”. Thus, the character's construction implies that carefulness is expressed through one's words and actions. The original meaning evolved to encompass the broader concept of attentiveness and respect.