politeLesson 19

Giving a Souvenir — Department manager

Situation

Where
Back at the office after a trip
Who
You and a department manager
Goal
To give omiyage to colleagues humbly.

Conversation

Show

A

Here's a souvenir from my business trip. Please share it, everyone.

B

Oh, thank you. That's so thoughtful of you.

A

Not at all, it's just a small token.

B

I'll have some right away, then.

Vocabulary (10)

omiyage

souvenir

Often food to share, brought back from trips.

yoroshikereba

if you'd like

Polite "if it's okay."

kiotsukau

to be considerate

気を使っていただいて = "thank you for your thoughtfulness."

honnokimochi

just a small token

Humbly downplays a gift.

sassoku

right away

早速いただきます = "I'll have it right away."

minasan

everyone

皆さんでどうぞ = "please share, everyone."

yoroshikuonegaishimasu

thank you in advance

Closes most requests and emails; sets a cooperative tone.

kakunin

confirmation / check

Daily-use word: ご確認お願いします means "please check."

shouchishimashita

understood (polite)

Politer than 分かりました; use with managers and clients.

houkoku

report

Part of 報連相 (report, contact, consult) — core Japanese work etiquette.

Grammar

よろしければ + offer

Polite "if you like": よろしければどうぞ.

Verb te-form + いただいて

Thanks for a favor: 気を使っていただいて.

ほんの + noun

Just a mere: ほんの気持ち = "just a token."

Cultural Notes

Workplace etiquette

Bringing お土産 after a trip is a kind, common gesture. Individually wrapped food to share is ideal.

Common mistake

Downplay the gift (ほんの気持ちです) — presenting it as something grand feels boastful in Japanese culture.

Formality level

Polite-warm. よろしければ皆さんでどうぞ is the natural way to offer shared treats.

Quiz

What does "お土産" mean?

What does "よろしければ" mean?

What does "気を使う" mean?

What does "ほんの気持ち" mean?

What does "早速" mean?

What does "皆さん" mean?

How is the pattern "よろしければ" used?

How is the pattern "〜ていただいて" used?

How is the pattern "ほんの〜" used?

What is the goal of this conversation?

Flashcards

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