Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Gift
つまらないものですが、よろしければどうぞ。 — It's just a small token, but please accept it. (Cultural · Gift, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)
You
つまらないものですが、よろしければどうぞ。
つまらないものですが、よろしければどうぞ。
It's just a small token, but please accept it.
Romaji: Tsumaranai mono desu ga, yoroshikereba douzo. / Reply Romaji: Maa, arigatou gozaimasu. Konnani itadaite yoi no deshou ka.
Reply
まあ、ありがとうございます。こんなにいただいていいのでしょうか。
まあ、ありがとうございます。こんなにいただいていいのでしょうか。
Oh, thank you so much. I hope it wasn't too much trouble.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold the gift at chest height with both hands extended, fingers together, bow slightly as you offer it. The recipient accepts with both hands and a bow, places it aside to open later — tearing it open immediately can seem greedy.
Calling a gift 'tsumaranai mono' (literally 'boring thing') is a time-honored ritual of humility — never a comment on actual quality. The recipient should accept with both hands and a bow, and typically wait to open it later unless explicitly invited to open it immediately.