Question
I’m planning to visit a friend’s house in Japan. I heard that it’s customary to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home. How do I say, “This is a small gift for you,” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
これはつまらないものですが、どうぞ。
Kore wa tsumaranai mono desuga, douzo.
This is a small gift for you.
Gift-giving is an important custom in Japan, and it’s polite to bring ‘omiyage’ or a small gift when visiting someone’s home. The phrase “kore wa tsumaranai mono desuga, douzo” is often used to humbly present a gift. ‘Tsumaranai mono’ literally means “boring thing,” but it’s a modest way to downplay your gift and show humility. ‘Douzo’ means “please,” as in “please accept this.”
Feel free to use this phrase when you bring a gift for someone in Japan!
