Question
I’m planning to visit a Japanese friend’s home for dinner and I would like to bring a small gift. How do I ask, “Is there anything you would like from my country?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
私（わたし）の国（くに）から何（なに）か欲（ほ）しいものはありますか。
Watashi no kuni kara nani ka hoshii mono wa arimasuka?
Is there anything you would like from my country?
Bringing a gift when visiting someone’s home in Japan is a common practice. The phrase “watashi no kuni kara” means “from my country”; “nani ka” signifies “anything”; and “hoshii mono” means “something you want”. The phrase ends with “arimasuka?”, which asks, “is there?”
This expression can be very polite, showing your willingness to bring something your friend truly desires from your country. It’s a great way to start a conversation about cultural exchanges and to understand more about your friend’s preferences.
