Formal — to staff
Shrine · Temple
You
すみません、手水舎の使い方がよく分からないのですが、教えていただけますか？
すみません、てみずやのつかいかたがよくわからないのですが、おしえていただけますか？
Excuse me, I'm not sure how to use the purification fountain (temizuya), could you please show/tell me?
Romaji: Sumimasen, temizuya no tsukaikata ga yoku wakaranai no desu ga, oshiete itadakemasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai. Mazu hidarite o kiyomete, tsugi ni migite o. Sore kara kuchi o susugi, saigo ni hishaku o tatete e o kiyomemasu.
Reply
はい。まず左手を清めて、次に右手を。それから口をすすぎ、最後に柄杓を立てて柄を清めます。
はい。まずひだりてをきよめて、つぎにみぎてを。それからくちをすすぎ、さいごにひしゃくをたててえをきよめます。
Yes. First purify your left hand, then your right. After that, rinse your mouth, and finally, stand the ladle upright to cleanse its handle.
Gesture & etiquette
Gesturing uncertainty and pointing at the temizuya. The reply might be accompanied by demonstrating the actions.
Never drink directly from the ladle or spit water back into the fountain. Use your cupped hand for rinsing your mouth. Do not wash your entire face.