Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Dining
すみません、お通しは必須ですか？もし可能なら、今回は不要なのですが… — Excuse me, is the 'otoshi' (table appetizer) mandatory? If possible, I don't need it this time... (Izakaya · Dining, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
すみません、お通しは必須ですか？もし可能なら、今回は不要なのですが…
すみません、おとおしはひっすですか？もしかなのうなら、こんかいはふようなのですが…
Excuse me, is the 'otoshi' (table appetizer) mandatory? If possible, I don't need it this time...
Romaji: Sumimasen, otōshi wa hissu desu ka? Moshi kanō nara, konkai wa fuyō nan desu ga... / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen, tōten dewa otōshi wa hissu to natte orimasu.
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申し訳ございません、当店ではお通しは必須となっております。
もうしわけございません、とうてんではおとおしはひっすとなっております。
We apologize, but at our restaurant, the 'otoshi' is mandatory.
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow, polite hand gesture towards yourself or a subtle head shake indicating 'no need'.
Be polite. 'Otoshi' is a common system in izakayas and refusal is often not possible, especially at popular establishments. Asking is fine, but accept the answer gracefully.