Visiting someone's home

❃ Visiting someone's home

お邪魔します。 [ Ojama shimasu. ]: Excuse me for intruding. (Said when entering someone's home)
よくいらっしゃいました。どうぞお上がりください。 [ Yoku irasshaimashita. Douzo oagari kudasai. ]: Welcome to our home. Please come in.
どうぞ入ってください。 [ Douzo haitte kudasai. ]: Please come in.
これ、つまらないものですが。 [ Kore, tsumaranai mono desu ga. ]: I brought a small gift for you. (Lit: This is a boring thing, but...)
私の国のお土産です。 [ Watashi no kuni no omiyage desu. ]: It's a souvenir from my country.
ありがとうございます。遠慮なくいただきます。 [ Arigatou gozaimasu. Enryonaku itadakimasu. ]: Thank you, I will gladly accept it.
素敵なお家ですね。 [ Suteki na ouchi desu ne. ]: You have a beautiful home.
どうぞくつろいでください。 [ Douzo kutsuroide kudasai. ]: Please make yourself at home.
靴はどこに置けばいいですか。 [ Kutsu wa doko ni okeba ii desu ka. ]: Where should I put my shoes?
お茶はいかがですか。 [ Ocha wa ikaga desu ka. ]: Would you like some tea?
いただきます。 [ Itadakimasu. ]: I will kindly accept. (Before eating/drinking)
とても美味しいです。 [ Totemo oishii desu. ]: It is very delicious.
おかわりはいかがですか。 [ Okawari wa ikaga desu ka. ]: Would you like a second helping/refill?
もうお腹がいっぱいです。ありがとうございます。 [ Mou onaka ga ippai desu. Arigatou gozaimasu. ]: I'm full, thank you.
そろそろ失礼します。 [ Sorosoro shitsurei shimasu. ]: It's getting late, I should be going.

Cultural notes

Because Japanese homes are typically small and privacy is highly cherished, being invited into someone's private residence is a rare and significant honor that comes with a very strict set of etiquette rules. The cultural performance begins at the front door. As you step into the "Genkan" (玄関 - the lowered entranceway), you must announce your arrival with a phrase of extreme humility: "Ojama shimasu" (お邪魔します). Literally translating to "I am going to intrude" or "I am going to be a nuisance," this phrase acknowledges that you are stepping into their private sanctuary and disrupting their peace. Crucially, you must take off your shoes facing the house, step up into the living area in your socks, and then turn around to arrange your shoes neatly, pointing toward the door. Visiting empty-handed is considered a severe faux pas. You must absolutely bring an "Omiyage" (お土産), a beautifully wrapped gift, usually a high-quality edible local specialty. The presentation of the gift is just as important as the item itself. When handing the gift to your host, ideally with both hands, you must employ the concept of Japanese modesty by saying "Kore, tsumaranai mono desu ga" (これ、つまらないものですが - This is a boring/trifling thing, but please accept it). You are not actually insulting the gift; rather, you are elevating the host by implying that nothing you could offer could possibly match their high status and the honor of their invitation. The host will gracefully reply "Enryonaku itadakimasu" (遠慮なくいただきます - I will accept it without hesitation). When the evening concludes, you signal your departure politely by stating "Sorosoro shitsurei shimasu" (そろそろ失礼します - It is about time I excuse myself). Mastering this intricate sequence demonstrates profound respect and ensures you will be warmly welcomed back.

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