Question
I will be visiting a friend’s house in Japan for the first time, and I learned that it’s customary to bring a gift. How do I ask “What type of gift should I bring?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
どんなお土産（みやげ）を持（も）っていけばいいですか。
Donna omiyage o motte ikeba ii desuka?
What type of gift should I bring?
In Japan, it’s a common courtesy to bring a small gift, or “omiyage”, when visiting someone’s home. This expression is useful for asking for suggestions on what type of gift to prepare. The word “donna” means “what kind of,” and “omiyage” refers to the gift itself. “Motte ikeba ii” is a polite way to ask what would be appropriate to bring.
If your friend suggests something specific, you can use “kurete arigatou” (thank you for letting me know), to express gratitude. You can replace “omiyage” with any other item like “okashi” (snacks) based on the context.
