Casual — to friend
Cultural · Dining
You
日本では、お酒は自分で注がずに相手に注いてもらうのがマナーなんですよ。
にほんでは、おさけはじぶんでつがずにあいてにつぎてもらうのがマナーなんですよ。
In Japan, the custom is not to pour your own drink but to have others pour for you.
Romaji: Nihon dewa, o-sake wa jibun de tsugazu ni aite ni tsuide morau no ga manaa na n desu yo. / Reply Romaji: Sou nan da! Dewa, dou zo. (pours for them)
Reply
そうなんだ！では、どうぞ。（注ぐ）
そうなんだ！では、どうぞ。（つぐ）
Is that so! Here, let me pour for you then. (pours)
Gesture & etiquette
Hold the bottle with both hands when pouring — one hand at the bottom for stability, the other near the label. Make eye contact and say 「どうぞ」(please go ahead) as you pour. The recipient holds their glass lifted slightly off the table.
Pouring for others first before yourself is the core of Japanese drinking etiquette at formal meals and nomikai. Keep an eye on others' glasses and refill them proactively — letting someone's glass go empty is considered inattentive. If you don't want more, leave a little in your glass as a signal.