お点前を頂戴いたします。お先に失礼いたします。 — I humbly receive this tea. Please excuse me for taking it before you. (Cultural · Traditional · Arts, Formal to Senior, JLPT N3)

Gesture & etiquette

Sit in seiza (or as instructed). Bow to the host (hands on tatami in front of knees) before receiving the bowl. Bow to other guests with 'osaki ni shitsurei.' Place the bowl on left palm, support with right hand. Turn the front away from yourself before sipping. Drink in 3 sips. Wipe the rim where you drank with your right thumb and finger, then return the bowl with the front facing the host again.

In a tea ceremony (chanoyu), specific phrases mark each gesture. 'Otemae o choudai itashimasu' (I humbly receive the tea preparation) honors both the tea and the host's skill. 'Osaki ni shitsurei' acknowledges the other guests — you apologize for drinking before them. Turn the bowl clockwise twice (about 90 degrees each turn) before sipping, so the front (decorated side) faces the host as a sign of respect.