Polite to Staff
Cultural · Dining
お椀の蓋は、どちらに置けばよいですか？ — Where should I place the lid of the bowl? (Cultural · Dining, Polite to Staff, JLPT N3)
You
お椀の蓋は、どちらに置けばよいですか？
おわんのふたは、どちらにおけばよいですか？
Where should I place the lid of the bowl?
Romaji: Owan no futa wa, dochira ni okeba yoi desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, oshiki no migigawa ni, uragaeshi de oite kudasai.
Reply
はい、お敷きの右側に、裏返しで置いてください。
はい、おしきのみぎがわに、うらがえしでおいてください。
Please place it upside-down on the right side of your tray.
Gesture & etiquette
Small head nod when asking. Hold the lid with both hands when lifting (to prevent dripping). After the explanation, demonstrate following the instruction immediately — this shows you understood and respect their guidance.
Formal Japanese meals (especially kaiseki) involve covered bowls, and the lid placement during eating has a specific etiquette: turn it upside-down and place it to the right of the tray. At the end of the meal, replace it right-side up to signal you've finished. Asking shows respect for the tradition rather than guessing.