Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Gift
You
まあ、お気遣いいただいて恐れ入ります。では、ありがたくいただきます。
まあ、おきづかいいただいておそれいります。では、ありがたくいただきます。
Oh, how thoughtful of you — I'm truly touched. Then I'll gratefully accept it.
Romaji: Mā, o-kidzukai itadaite osore irimasu. Dewa, arigataku itadakimasu. / 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 with both hands and bow slightly. Keep the gift aside — Japanese etiquette typically avoids opening gifts immediately in front of the giver. A follow-up call, message, or letter expressing thanks after using the gift is appreciated and expected.
Japanese gift-receiving involves a two-stage social ritual: first a gentle refusal ('you really shouldn't have'), then gracious acceptance. Accepting immediately without any initial hesitation can seem greedy; refusing too firmly is equally awkward. This phrase represents the elegant midpoint of genuine gratitude and appropriate social humility.