Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Dining
これ、お通しですか？お通しなしにすることはできますか？ — Is this 'Otoshi' (the automatic appetizer)? Is it possible to opt out of it? (Izakaya · Dining, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
これ、お通しですか？お通しなしにすることはできますか？
これ、おとおしですか？おとおしなしにすることはできますか？
Is this 'Otoshi' (the automatic appetizer)? Is it possible to opt out of it?
Romaji: Kore, otōshi desu ka? Otōshi nashi ni suru koto wa dekimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake arimasen, tōten wa shisutemu jō, otōshidai o zen'in chōdai shite orimasu.
Reply
申し訳ありません、当店はシステム上、お通し代を全員頂戴しております。
もうしわけありません、とうてんはしすてむじょう、おとおしだいをぜんいんちょうだいしております。
I'm sorry, but our restaurant's system requires all customers to pay the appetizer cover charge.
Gesture & etiquette
Point politely to the small dish that was brought to your table without your ordering it.
Do not show anger or argue aggressively about the charge. 'Otoshi' is a traditional seating fee cover-charge custom in Japan. If they refuse to opt-out, accept it as part of the cultural experience.