Japanese for English speakers House · Lesson 2

Handing over a present

The Japanese way to hand over a present — これはほんの気持ちですが (kore wa hon no kimochi desu ga, 'this is just a small token of my feelings'). Modesty is key when giving gifts.

Conversation

  1. PX296 PX296

    ボリンさん、

    Borin san,

    Bolin,

  2. Cassian Cassian

    これはほんの気持ちですが

    kore wa hon'no kimochi desu ga

    This is a little something for you

    Tip: <kimochi> = feeling This sentence is a fixed phrase used when handing over a gift. "Kimochi" literally means "feeling". "Hon" is"really" or "only" here.

  3. PX296 PX296

    どうもありがとう。何ですか？

    dōmo arigatō. Nan desu ka?

    Thank you very much. What is it?

  4. Cassian Cassian

    卓球のラケットです

    takkyū no raketto desu

    Table tennis rackets

    Tip: <Takkyū> = table tennis <raketto> = racket In Japanese, for many things the singular and plural of a word are the same

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

Why say 'just a little something' when giving a gift?

Japanese culture values modesty. Even an expensive gift is presented as a 'small token' (ほんの気持ち) to avoid making the receiver feel obligated.

What does 気持ち (kimochi) mean?

'Feeling' — used both for emotions (気持ちがいい = feels good) and as the sentiment behind a gift (気持ちです = it's the thought that counts).

Do Japanese nouns have plurals?

Most don't change form between singular and plural — context indicates number. Some can take 〜たち for groups of animate things (子供たち = children).

Test yourself

Pick the English translation for each line from this lesson. Wrong answers are pulled from other Japanese lessons.

4 quick questions on what you just heard.

Next lesson in House Spelling rules →