Formal to Acquaintance
Cultural · Gift
つまらないものですが、よろしければお受け取りください。 — It's just a small token, but please do accept it. (Cultural · Gift, Formal to Acquaintance, JLPT N4)
You
つまらないものですが、よろしければお受け取りください。
つまらないものですが、よろしければおうけとりください。
It's just a small token, but please do accept it.
Romaji: Tsumaranai mono desu ga, yoroshikereba ouketori kudasai. / Reply Romaji: Maa, goteinei ni. Arigatou gozaimasu.
Reply
まあ、ご丁寧に。ありがとうございます。
まあ、ごていねいに。ありがとうございます。
How thoughtful of you. Thank you very much.
Gesture & etiquette
Present the gift with both hands, with a slight bow; the gift should be beautifully wrapped (furoshiki or store wrapping); avoid ostentatious presentation — the humble opening phrase is paired with careful, respectful physical handling.
つまらないものですが' does NOT mean the gift is actually boring — it is a ritual expression of modesty deeply expected in Japanese gift-giving culture; the recipient responds with 'ご丁寧に' (how thoughtful of you), completing the social exchange.