Formal to Family
Care · Family · Communication
お父様のお誕生日が近づいてまいりましたが、何かご希望のものはお聞きでしょうか？ — Your father's birthday is coming up. Has he mentioned anything he'd like? (Care · Family · Communication, Formal to Family, JLPT N4)
You
お父様のお誕生日が近づいてまいりましたが、何かご希望のものはお聞きでしょうか？
おとうさまのおたんじょうびがちかづいてまいりましたが、なにかごきぼうのものはおききでしょうか？
Your father's birthday is coming up. Has he mentioned anything he'd like?
Romaji: Otousama no otanjoubi ga chikazuite mairimashita ga, nanika gokibou no mono wa okiki deshou ka? / Reply Romaji: A, sou desu nee. Saikin atatakai kutsushita ga hoshii to itte imashita.
Reply
あ、そうですねえ。最近暖かい靴下が欲しいと言っていました。
あ、そうですねえ。さいきんあたたかいくつしたがほしいといっていました。
Oh, let me think. Recently he mentioned wanting warm socks.
Gesture & etiquette
Phone or in-person. Warm conversational tone, not clinical. If you've observed something specific that might make a good gift, share it gently: 'shitsurei desu ga, saikin kao iro ga akarui boushi ga osuki no you desu' (excuse me, but he seems to enjoy bright colored hats lately).
Caregivers often see what's missing in a senior's daily life — items they've worn out, foods they crave, small comforts — and can guide family gift choices. Asking the family about their father's stated wishes is respectful; offering caregiver observations is helpful. Together, the gift becomes meaningful rather than generic. Avoid recommending expensive items unsolicited.