How to Say ‘A little something (modest gift)’ in Japanese
ささやかなもの
sasayaka na mono
[sah-sah-YAH-kah nah mono]
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan you downplay your own gift when handing it over, even if it's lovely. This phrase usually comes before ですが "but" as you offer it with both hands.
Phrase Breakdown
ささやか
sasayaka
[sah-sah-YAH-kah]
modest; small
Na-adjective used humbly to describe something small, especially a gift.
ささやかなお礼です。
It's a small token of thanks.
な
na
[nah]
-like; adjectival linker
Connects よう to a noun, making a phrase like 'family-like.'
家族のような雰囲気は魅力的です。
A family-like atmosphere is attractive.
もの
mono
[mono]
thing
Refers to an object or entity.
これはつまらないものですが、どうぞ。
This is a small gift, but please accept it.
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