Question
I’m planning to visit a Japanese friend’s house and want to bring a gift to show my appreciation. What do people say in Japanese when giving a gift to someone?
Japango Editor Team
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。
Tsumaranai mono desuga, douzo.
This is just a little something, but please accept it.
When you visit someone’s home in Japan, it’s customary to bring a gift, or “omiyage”. The phrase “tsumaranai mono desuga, douzo” is a humble way to present your gift, indicating that you hope they enjoy it even though you think it’s nothing special. “Tsumaranai mono desuga” literally means “though it’s a trivial thing,” reflecting a cultural norm to express humility and avoid boasting about the gift.
“Douzo” means “please,” used here to offer the gift. You can replace “tsumaranai mono” with the actual item you’re giving, like “Okashi desuga, douzo” for sweets or “Ocha desuga, douzo” for tea. This phrase will set a polite and respectful tone for your visit. Enjoy the cultural exchange!
