Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Dining
これはお通しです。席料に含まれる小さなおもてなしです。 — This is the otoshi — a small appetizer included as part of the table/seating charge. (Cultural · Dining, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N4)
You
これはお通しです。席料に含まれる小さなおもてなしです。
これはおとおしです。せきりょうにふくまれるちいさなおもてなしです。
This is the otoshi — a small appetizer included as part of the table/seating charge.
Romaji: Kore wa otoshi desu. Sekiryou ni fukumareru chiisa na omotenashi desu. / Reply Romaji: Aa, sou nan desu ne. Arigatou gozaimasu.
Reply
あー、そうなんですね。ありがとうございます。
あー、そうなんですね。ありがとうございます。
Oh, I see. Thank you.
Gesture & etiquette
Accept the dish graciously with a slight nod — saying 「ありがとうございます」as it arrives is polite even if you did not order it. Do not ask to have it removed; simply enjoy or leave it uneaten.
Otoshi (お通し) is a small starter dish automatically served at izakayas and many restaurants — it appears on the bill as a table charge (席料), usually ¥300-600. It is not optional. Knowing this prevents surprise when the bill arrives and signals cultural awareness to Japanese companions.