Formal to Host
Cultural · Gift
こんな高いものを…申し訳ないです。 — Something this expensive... I feel terrible accepting this. (Cultural · Gift, Formal to Host, JLPT N4)
You
こんな高いものを…申し訳ないです。
こんなたかいものを…もうしわけないです。
Something this expensive... I feel terrible accepting this.
Romaji: Konna takai mono wo... mōshiwake nai desu. / Reply Romaji: Ie, kimochi desu kara. Ukette kudasai.
Reply
いえ、気持ちですから。受け取ってください。
いえ、きもちですから。うけとってください。
Not at all — it's just a heartfelt gesture. Please accept it.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold your hands up briefly in a light 'I couldn't possibly' gesture; your expression should show genuine discomfort and gratitude simultaneously — not false modesty; after the host's reassurance, bow and accept with both hands.
Expressing discomfort at an overly generous gift is culturally expected in Japan — it signals appreciation of the generosity and shows you don't take it for granted. The host typically replies 'いえ、気持ちですから。' (Not at all, it's just a heartfelt gesture), at which point you gracefully accept: 'では、大切にします。' (Then I'll treasure it dearly.)