Formal to Client
Workplace · Socializing
お茶のお代わりはいかがですか。 — Would you like another cup of tea? (Workplace · Socializing, Formal to Client, JLPT N4)
You
お茶のお代わりはいかがですか。
おちゃのおかわりはいかがですか。
Would you like another cup of tea?
Romaji: Ocha no okawari wa ikaga desu ka. / Reply Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu, itadakimasu.
Reply
ありがとうございます、いただきます。
ありがとうございます、いただきます。
Thank you, I'll have one.
Gesture & etiquette
Approach from the client's side, not from behind. Hold the new cup in both hands, place gently on a coaster. Refill while the cup still has tea — never wait until empty. Slight bow (10°) when retrieving any empty cup.
Proactive hospitality is essential in Japanese B2B. Offer the refill BEFORE the cup is fully empty — once empty, it suggests you weren't paying attention. The polite 'お代わり' (refill) frames it as their choice. Pour fresh tea, not from a sitting pot — green tea over-steeped is bitter.