Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Dining
ぶぶ漬けでも、いかがどす？ — Would you care for some ochazuke? (Kyoto idiom: "It's getting late, perhaps you should head home.") (Cultural · Dining, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N2)
You
ぶぶ漬けでも、いかがどす？
ぶぶづけでも、いかがどす？
Would you care for some ochazuke? (Kyoto idiom: "It's getting late, perhaps you should head home.")
Romaji: Bubuzuke demo, ikaga dosu? / Reply Romaji: A, sumimasen. Sorosoro shitsurei shimasu.
Reply
あ、すみません。そろそろ失礼します。
あ、すみません。そろそろしつれいします。
Oh, excuse me. I should be going now.
Gesture & etiquette
If you ever hear this in a Kyoto household, smile graciously, decline politely, glance at the clock, and begin gathering your things. Never actually accept—doing so would be a serious cultural faux pas.
This famous Kyoto phrase looks like an offer of tea-rice but is actually a polite signal that the host wants you to leave. Kyoto culture values indirect communication—saying 'no' directly is considered rude, so hints are wrapped in hospitality. Outside of Kyoto this is more of a cultural legend than a daily phrase, but knowing it prevents misreading hostess behavior. The proper response is to apologize and leave promptly.