Polite to Host
Cultural · Etiquette
You
よろしければ、どうぞお座りください。
よろしければ、どうぞおすわりください。
Please, take my seat if you'd like.
Romaji: Yoroshikereba, dōzo o-suwari kudasai. / Reply Romaji: Arigatō gozaimasu. Kekkou desu.
Reply
ありがとうございます。結構です。
ありがとうございます。けっこうです。
Thank you, but I'm alright.
Gesture & etiquette
Stand and gesture toward your seat with an open palm (not pointing a finger). Make brief eye contact and a small nod. If they decline, return to your seat naturally — don't press the offer further.
Offering a seat on public transport or in waiting areas is a natural social courtesy in Japan. The 'yoroshikereba' (if you'd like) phrasing avoids forcing the offer. Priority seating (優先席) is designated for elderly, pregnant, or injured passengers — always yield these seats.
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