The super subtle 'gift receiving' trick: お言葉に甘えて

I'm sure you've been in this situation before: a colleague invites you to a meal, a senpai offers you a ride, or a neighbor gives you some vegetables they grew themselves. Our first reaction is often to refuse out of politeness, or to just say a simple ありがとうございます.

But there's a much more subtle and "Japanese" way to respond, which will definitely score you points in the other person's eyes. That's the magic phrase: お言葉に甘えて (Okotoba ni amaete). 🙏

🤔 What is「お言葉に甘えて」?

If translated literally, it means "I will humbly accept the sweetness/kindness in your words."

Sounds a bit poetic, doesn't it? 😂 But you can simply understand it as:

"Since you've been so kind as to offer, I will humbly accept."

This phrase doesn't just express gratitude. It also conveys humility and a deep appreciation for the other person's kindness. You're not just accepting, you're accepting their kindness.

✨ Why is it so "magical"?

Unlike a simple ありがとう, お言葉に甘えて has a much greater power:

1. It honors the person making the offer: This phrase emphasizes that "it's because YOU were kind enough to offer" that I dare to accept. This makes the person who offered feel that their action is recognized and appreciated.
2. It shows humility: You acknowledge that you are "relying on" (甘える) the other person's kindness, in a very polite way. This avoids the feeling of "of course I should receive this."
3. It makes accepting the offer smoother: Instead of refusing back and forth a few times out of habit (遠慮 - enryo), this phrase helps you accept the invitation decisively but still very politely.

🚀 When to use it?

This is the ultimate weapon when you want to accept an offer, help, or a gift politely.

Example 1: When invited to lunch by a superior/colleague

👤 Boss: 「お昼、まだでしょ？よかったら一緒にラーメンでもどう？」 (You haven't had lunch yet, right? If you'd like, how about some ramen together?)

😎 You: 「え、いいんですか？では、お言葉に甘えてご馳走になります！」 (Oh, really? In that case, I'll humbly accept your treat!)

Example 2: When offered a ride to the station 🚗

👤 Senpai: 「駅まで遠いから、乗ってく？」 (It's a long way to the station, want a ride?)

😎 You: 「本当ですか？助かります！じゃあ、お言葉に甘えて乗せていただきます。」 (Really? That would be a great help! Well then, I'll humbly accept your offer for a ride.)

Example 3: When a neighbor gives you a gift 🎁

👤 Neighbor: 「これ、実家から送ってきたみかんです。よかったらどうぞ。」 (These are some tangerines from my hometown. Please have some if you'd like.)

😎 You: 「わあ、ありがとうございます！では、お言葉に甘えて少しいただきます。」 (Wow, thank you so much! In that case, I'll humbly accept a few.)

⚠️ A little note

• This phrase has a rather polite, formal nuance. Therefore, it's best used with superiors, older people, or people you're not very close to.
• With very close friends, using this phrase might sound a bit too formal. However, if they're treating you to an expensive meal, usingお言葉に甘えて still shows great appreciation.

Next time you receive a kind offer, instead of just saying ありがとう, try using お言葉に甘えて. I'm sure you'll leave a much deeper and more subtle impression! ✨