Signification
Humbly presenting something, acknowledging it might not be perfect.
Contexte culturel
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.
Signification
Humbly presenting something, acknowledging it might not be perfect.
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.
Teste-toi
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.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices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.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsUsually 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.
Expressions liées
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.
