Polite to Host
Cultural · Dining
では、少しだけいただきます。 — Then I'll have just a little, thank you. (Cultural · Dining, Polite to Host, JLPT N4)
You
では、少しだけいただきます。
では、すこしだけいただきます。
Then I'll have just a little, thank you.
Romaji: Dewa, sukoshi dake itadakimasu. / Reply Romaji: Douzo, enryo naku okawari shite kudasai.
Reply
どうぞ、遠慮なくおかわりしてください。
どうぞ、えんりょなくおかわりしてください。
Please, help yourself to as much as you like.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold out your bowl or plate with both hands and a slight nod. Smile warmly to show appreciation. Receiving with one hand is considered careless in a formal dining setting.
Refusing a host's offer of seconds can feel cold in Japan. Accepting with 「少しだけ」shows appreciation without seeming greedy — it strikes the ideal balance of gratitude and restraint that Japanese hosts appreciate.
#dining etiquette#second helping#host culture#food manners#itadakimasu