Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Gift
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。 — It's a small thing, but please accept it. (Cultural · Gift, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)
You
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。
It's a small thing, but please accept it.
Romaji: Tsumaranai mono desu ga, dōzo. / Reply Romaji: Mā, wazawaza arigatō gozaimasu.
Reply
まあ、わざわざありがとうございます。
まあ、わざわざありがとうございます。
Oh, you really didn't have to — thank you so much.
Gesture & etiquette
Present the gift with both hands, bowing about 15 degrees. Wrap gifts neatly — packaging matters as much as the gift. Avoid giving in quantities of 4 (shi = death) or 9 (ku = suffering).
Despite the literal meaning of 'boring/trivial thing,' this classic modesty formula is the standard way to offer a gift or souvenir. Saying 'this is wonderful!' about your own gift sounds boastful — humility is the cultural norm.
#gift#omiyage#modesty#souvenir#keigo#social etiquette#giving