Formal to Client
Cultural · Seasonal
ささやかですが、日頃のお礼にお中元をお送りいたしました。お納めいただければ幸いです。 — It's a modest gesture, but I've sent a midsummer gift as thanks for your continued support. I would be grateful if you accept it. (Cultural · Seasonal, Formal to Client, JLPT N3)
You
ささやかですが、日頃のお礼にお中元をお送りいたしました。お納めいただければ幸いです。
ささやかですが、ひごろのおれいにおちゅうげんをおおくりいたしました。おおさめいただければさいわいです。
It's a modest gesture, but I've sent a midsummer gift as thanks for your continued support. I would be grateful if you accept it.
Romaji: Sasayaka desu ga, higoro no orei ni ochuugen o ookuri itashimashita. Onosame itadakereba saiwai desu. / Reply Romaji: Goteinei na okokorozukai ni arigatou gozaimasu. Arigataku choudai itashimasu.
Reply
ご丁寧なお心遣いにありがとうございます。ありがたく頂戴いたします。
ごていねいなおこころづかいにありがとうございます。ありがたくちょうだいいたします。
Thank you for your thoughtful kindness. I'll gratefully accept it.
Gesture & etiquette
Email or written card accompanying the gift. Have the gift delivered through a department store gift center, never showing up unannounced. Wrapping should bear the noshi (formal label) indicating 'ochuugen.' Follow up with a thank-you call or note within a few days of sending.
Ochuugen is the summer gift season (sent late June to mid-July) to clients, superiors, and people who have supported you. Common gifts: seasonal fruits, premium juice, soumen noodles, beer, edible oils. 'Onosame itadakereba saiwai' (I'd be grateful if you accept) is the standard accompanying phrase. The reciprocal winter version is 'oseibo' (sent December). Both are declining in modern corporate culture but still strong in traditional sectors.