Formal to Senior
Care · Daily · Support
お水をどうぞ。少しずつ飲んでくださいね。 — Here's some water. Please sip a little at a time. (Care · Daily · Support, Formal to Senior, JLPT N5)
You
お水をどうぞ。少しずつ飲んでくださいね。
おみずをどうぞ。すこしずつのんでくださいね。
Here's some water. Please sip a little at a time.
Romaji: Omizu wo douzo. Sukoshi zutsu nonde kudasai ne. / Reply Romaji: A, arigatou. Iya, mou ii.
Reply
あ、ありがとう。いや、もういい。
あ、ありがとう。いや、もういい。
Oh, thank you. No, that's enough.
Gesture & etiquette
Hold the cup steady at chin level with both hands (one underneath, one on the side). Tilt very slowly. Watch their throat for the swallow before tilting again. If they refuse, do not insist—place cup within reach and try again in 30 minutes.
Hydration encouragement. Seniors are at high risk of dehydration, often without thirst sensation. 「少しずつ」 (a little at a time) prevents choking. Offer regularly (every 1-2 hours) even if they decline—gentle persistence is appropriate, but never force. Use a cup with handle or straw if grip is weak.