Phrase in 30 Seconds
A polite way to offer something while humbly suggesting it might not meet the recipient's high standards.
- Means: 'It might not be to your liking' or 'I hope you like it.'
- Used in: Giving gifts, serving food, or presenting business ideas to superiors.
- Don't confuse: With 'don't like it'—this is a proactive humble hedge, not a question.
Explicación a tu nivel:
Significado
Humbly presenting something, acknowledging it might not be perfect.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Kenjou' (humility) is central. By lowering the value of your gift, you are raising the status of the recipient. In Japanese companies, presenting a 'perfect' idea can be seen as arrogant. Using hedges allows for collaborative feedback. The wrapping is often as important as the gift. This phrase matches the high-quality, modest aesthetic of Japanese gift-giving. This phrase maintains 'Wa' by ensuring no one feels pressured to react in a specific way.
The 'Bowing' Combo
Always deliver this phrase with a slight bow (about 15-30 degrees). The physical action completes the linguistic humility.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every single thing you do, you might come across as lacking confidence rather than being polite.
The 'Bowing' Combo
Always deliver this phrase with a slight bow (about 15-30 degrees). The physical action completes the linguistic humility.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every single thing you do, you might come across as lacking confidence rather than being polite.
The Response
If someone says this to you, the correct response is 'Sonna koto arimasen!' (Not at all!) to reassure them.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing part of the formal gift-giving phrase.
つまらないものですが、おきに（ ）かもしれません。
'Mesanai' is the negative honorific form of 'mesu' (to like).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase is best when serving a home-cooked meal to a guest?
While 'o-ki ni mesanai' is okay, 'o-kuchi ni awanai' is the specific set phrase for food.
Choose the most appropriate response to someone giving you a gift with this phrase.
Giver: 「{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、どうぞ。」
You should reassure the giver that you will surely like it.
Complete the dialogue between a junior and a senior employee.
Junior: 「{部長|ぶちょう}、こちらの{資料|しりょう}ですが...（ ）」 Boss: 「ありがとう、あとで{見|み}ておくよ。」
This humbly presents the work for review.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosつまらないものですが、おきに（ ）かもしれません。
'Mesanai' is the negative honorific form of 'mesu' (to like).
Which phrase is best when serving a home-cooked meal to a guest?
While 'o-ki ni mesanai' is okay, 'o-kuchi ni awanai' is the specific set phrase for food.
Giver: 「{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、どうぞ。」
You should reassure the giver that you will surely like it.
Junior: 「{部長|ぶちょう}、こちらの{資料|しりょう}ですが...（ ）」 Boss: 「ありがとう、あとで{見|み}ておくよ。」
This humbly presents the work for review.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasUsually no, unless your family is extremely formal. It sounds too distant for close family.
In meaning, yes. In tone, no. 'Mesanai' is the highest honorific level, while 'suki janai' is basic.
For money, you usually use different phrases like 'o-shirushi' (a small token). This phrase is better for objects or ideas.
Yes, it is very common in formal business emails when sending attachments or proposals.
Frases relacionadas
お{口|くち}に{合|あ}わないかもしれませんが
specialized formIt might not suit your taste (specifically for food).
{気|き}に{入|い}る
similarTo like / To be pleased with.
ご{期待|きたい}に{沿|そ}えず
similarNot meeting your expectations.
お{目|め}に{留|と}まれば{幸|さいわ}いです
similarI would be happy if it catches your eye.
Dónde usarla
Giving a souvenir to a boss
Employee: これ、{出張|しゅっちょう}のお{土産|みやげ}です。{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが。
Boss: お、ありがとう。{気|き}を{使|つか}わせてしまったね。
Serving tea to a guest
Host: {少|すこ}し{苦|にが}いお{茶|ちゃ}なので、{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが。
Guest: いいえ、ありがとうございます。いただきます。
Presenting a draft design
Designer: ラフ{案|あん}を{作|つく}りました。{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、ご{確認|かくにん}ください。
Client: はい、{拝見|はいけん}します。
Giving a wedding gift
Friend: お{祝|いわ}いの{品|しな}です。{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、{使|つか}ってください。
Bride: まあ、うれしい！ありがとうございます。
Suggesting a movie to a senior
Junior: この{映画|えいが}、{面白|おもしろ}いですよ。{先輩|せんぱい}の{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが。
Senior: へえ、チェックしてみるよ。
Bringing a dish to a potluck
Guest: {手作|てづく}りのケーキです。{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、どうぞ。
Host: わあ、おいしそう！ありがとうございます。
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a waiter 'Summoning' (Mesu) your 'Spirit' (Ki) to like a dish, but then worrying 'Maybe Not' (Kamoshiremasen).
Asociación visual
A person in a kimono bowing deeply while holding a beautifully wrapped gift box, with a thought bubble showing a question mark over the recipient's head.
Rhyme
O-ki ni mesu, don't be a mess, it's for a guest, to pass the test!
Story
You are visiting a Japanese master potter. You bring him a small cake. You are nervous because he has great taste. You say '{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれません' to show you respect his high standards. He smiles, appreciating your humility more than the cake itself.
In Other Languages
In English, we might say 'I hope you like it' or 'It might not be your cup of tea.' In French, 'J'espère que cela vous plaira' (I hope that will please you).
Word Web
Desafío
Try saying the phrase 5 times fast while bowing slightly. Focus on the transition between 'mesanai' and 'kamoshiremasen'.
Review this phrase before any formal meeting or when you are about to give a gift in a Japanese context.
Pronunciación
The 'o' is short. 'Ki' and 'ni' are linked. 'Me-sa-na-i' has equal weight on each syllable.
Espectro de formalidad
{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、どうぞ。 (Giving a gift)
{気|き}に{入|い}ってもらえるとうれしいです。 (Giving a gift)
{好|す}きだといいんだけど。 (Giving a gift)
これ、マジおすすめ！ (Giving a gift)
The verb 'mesu' (召す) dates back to the Nara and Heian periods as a respectful verb for the nobility.
Dato curioso
The same 'mesu' in this phrase is used in 'meshi-agaru' (to eat), which is why people sometimes get confused between 'liking' and 'eating' in honorifics!
Notas culturales
The concept of 'Kenjou' (humility) is central. By lowering the value of your gift, you are raising the status of the recipient.
“Using 'tsumaranai mono' (boring thing) alongside this phrase.”
In Japanese companies, presenting a 'perfect' idea can be seen as arrogant. Using hedges allows for collaborative feedback.
“Presenting a marketing plan to a client.”
The wrapping is often as important as the gift. This phrase matches the high-quality, modest aesthetic of Japanese gift-giving.
“Giving 'Oseibo' (year-end gifts).”
This phrase maintains 'Wa' by ensuring no one feels pressured to react in a specific way.
“A neighbor giving home-grown vegetables.”
Inicios de conversación
What would you say if you gave a box of chocolates to your Japanese professor?
How would you introduce a new, slightly strange design to a client?
Errores comunes
{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないでください
{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが
L1 Interference
{私|わたし}の{好|す}きじゃないかもしれません
{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが
L1 Interference
{好|す}きじゃないかもしれません
{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが
L1 Interference
{お気|おき}に{召|め}すかもしれません
{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
I hope you like it / It might not be your cup of tea.
English is positive/optimistic; Japanese is humble/self-deprecating.
Espero que sea de su agrado.
Spanish uses the subjunctive to express a wish, while Japanese uses a hedge to express a possibility.
J'espère que cela vous plaira.
French focuses on the future pleasure of the recipient.
Ich hoffe, es gefällt Ihnen.
German is more direct and less focused on the 'might not' aspect.
أتمنى أن ينال إعجابكم
Arabic focuses on the object 'gaining' admiration.
可能不合您的胃口
Chinese often specifies 'appetite' even for non-food items in some dialects.
마음에 드실지 모르겠네요
The honorific endings differ, but the logic is identical.
Espero que goste.
Portuguese is generally more warm and less 'distanced' than the Japanese equivalent.
Spotted in the Real World
“お{口|くち}に{合|あ}わないかもしれませんが、{作|つく}ってみました。”
Mizuki serves a meal she cooked for the other housemates for the first time.
“{お気|おき}に{召|め}さないかもしれませんが、お{受|う}け{取|と}りください。”
Jiro presents a gift in a formal setting.
Fácil de confundir
Both start with 'Ki ni...' and are polite.
Remember that 'mesanai' is about liking, while 'shinaide' is about worrying.
This is the negative of 'ki ni iru' (to like).
'Ki ni iranai' is a strong 'I don't like it' or 'It's annoying.' Never use it when giving a gift!
Preguntas frecuentes (4)
Usually no, unless your family is extremely formal. It sounds too distant for close family.
usage contextsIn meaning, yes. In tone, no. 'Mesanai' is the highest honorific level, while 'suki janai' is basic.
grammar mechanicsFor money, you usually use different phrases like 'o-shirushi' (a small token). This phrase is better for objects or ideas.
cultural usageYes, it is very common in formal business emails when sending attachments or proposals.
practical tips
