どうぞ、つがせてください。 — Please, allow me to pour for you. (Cultural · Dining, Polite to Host, JLPT N4)

Gesture & etiquette

Hold the bottle or carafe with both hands, lean slightly forward, and bow your head gently while pouring. Maintain brief eye contact then focus on the glass. Never reach across someone to pour.

In Japan, pouring drinks for others before yourself signals care and respect. Always offer to pour before accepting a refill for yourself — letting your own glass run dry without attending to others first is considered inattentive.