Formal — to staff
Izakaya
恐れ入りますが、お通しは結構です。 — Excuse me, but we don't need the appetizer (otoshi). (Izakaya, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
恐れ入りますが、お通しは結構です。
おそれいりますが、おとおしはけっこうです。
Excuse me, but we don't need the appetizer (otoshi).
Romaji: Osoreirimasu ga, otōshi wa kekkō desu. / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen ga, otōshi wa okotowari dekimasen.
Reply
申し訳ございませんが、お通しはお断りできません。
もうしわけございませんが、おとおしはおことわりできません。
We apologize, but we cannot decline the appetizer (otoshi).
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow while asking. Gentle hand gesture indicating 'no thank you'.
Otōshi' is a common cover charge in many izakayas and often non-negotiable. Asking politely is fine, but be prepared for refusal. Do not argue or get angry.