Question
I’m planning to visit a friend’s house in Japan for the first time. I want to bring a gift but I’m not sure what would be appropriate. How do I ask “What kind of gift should I bring?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
どんなお土産（みやげ）を持（も）って行（い）けばいいですか。
Donna omiyage o motte ikeba iidesuka?
What kind of gift should I bring?
This is a handy phrase when you want to ask for advice on choosing an appropriate gift (omiyage) for a visit. “Donna” means “what kind of”; “omiyage” is “gift” or “souvenir”; and “motte ikeba iidesuka” translates to “should I bring”.
When visiting someone’s home in Japan, it is customary to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. It’s usually something consumable, like sweets or snacks. You can replace “omiyage” with any other item you are considering, like “keshoohin” (cosmetics) or “hon” (book), to fit your situation. Happy visiting!
