Question
I’m planning to visit a friend’s house in Japan for the first time. I know it’s customary to bring a gift, but I’m not sure what to say when I hand it over. How do I politely say, “This is just a little something for you” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。
Tsumaranai mono desu ga, doozo.
This is just a little something for you.
In Japanese culture, it’s customary to bring a small gift, often referred to as “omiyage,” when visiting someone’s home. When you hand over the gift, you can say “Tsumaranai mono desu ga, doozo.” Literally, it translates to “This is a boring thing, but please,” a modest way of presenting a gift.
Tsumaranai mono desu ga shows humility, suggesting that the gift is humble, even if it’s something nice. Doozo means “please,” and it’s a polite way to offer. This expression helps convey respect and good manners in Japanese social settings.
Feel free to use this phrase with any kind of gift, as it embodies a polite and considerate gesture. Enjoy your visit!
