Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Gift
まあ、わざわざありがとうございます。大切にします。 — Oh, you really didn't have to. I'll treasure it. (Cultural · Gift, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)
You
まあ、わざわざありがとうございます。大切にします。
まあ、わざわざありがとうございます。たいせつにします。
Oh, you really didn't have to. I'll treasure it.
Romaji: Mā, wazawaza arigatō gozaimasu. Taisetsu ni shimasu. / Reply Romaji: Yorokonde itadakete yokatta desu.
Reply
喜んでいただけてよかったです。
よろこんでいただけてよかったです。
I'm so glad you're pleased with it.
Gesture & etiquette
Accept the gift with both hands and bow. Examine the wrapping appreciatively before setting it aside. Avoid opening immediately — in most Japanese contexts, gifts are opened privately. A thank-you call or message the following day is expected.
The correct response to receiving a gift includes both gratitude and a promise to value it. Japanese gift-giving culture values the emotional weight of exchange over the object itself. Do not open the gift immediately in front of the giver unless explicitly invited to do so.