これ、どうぞ
kore, douzo
The English phrase "this is for you" can be translated into Japanese as これ、どうぞ (kore, douzo).
The phrase これ、どうぞ is used when handing an object or a gift to someone, functioning as a polite way to say "here you go".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "this, please" or "this, go ahead".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
これ、どうぞ is a standard, polite way to offer something and is suitable for most social situations. For more formal settings, you might use これはあなたへのものです。 (This is for you), これはお受け取りください。 (which politely tells the person to receive the item) or お渡しします。 (I will give this to you). In casual or informal situations, you can use ほら、これ！ (Here, this is for you!) or もらって！ (Take it! Or Here, have it!).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is often used with a slight pause after これ (this) to signal the act of offering the item.
How do you pronounce it?
kore, douzo
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, if you are giving a gift, you might use the phrase つまらないものですが (it is a boring thing) before これ、どうぞ. This humble expression suggests the gift is unworthy of the recipient, which is a sign of deep politeness.
- While これ、どうぞ is used for the act of giving, the receiver often responds with ありがとうございます followed by すみません, which means 'I am sorry' to express the burden of receiving a favor.
- The word どうぞ stems from a root that implies 'as you wish' or 'at your leisure', emphasizing that the recipient's comfort is the priority.
Examples in context
- これはあなたへのものです。ありがとう。This is for you. Thank you.
- これ、どうぞ。Kore, douzo.This is for you.
- これ、どうぞ。お菓子です。Kore, douzo. Okashi desu.This is for you. It is a snack.
- これ、どうぞ。誕生日プレゼントです。Kore, douzo. Tanjoubi purezento desu.This is for you. It is a birthday present.
Example conversation
Youta gives a small gift to Misaki at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さん、これ、どうぞ。Misaki-san, kore, douzo.Misaki, this is for you.
- 美咲 Misakiえっ、何ですか？E, nan desu ka?Oh, what is it?
- 陽太 Yota小さなプレゼントです。Chiisana purezento desu.It is a small present.
- 美咲 Misakiわあ、嬉しい！ありがとうございます。Waa, ureshii! Arigatou gozaimasu.Wow, I'm so happy! Thank you.
