Learning About Life in Japan Through Words ③ Polite Japanese at Convenience Stores: the gentle intent in 「温めますか？」

Today's Theme

In Japan’s convenience stores, staff speak very politely. Phrases like 「温めますか？」 and 「袋はご利用ですか？」 are short but full of kindness.

This article shows how Japanese expresses care with words, using typical store phrases.

Today's Words

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning / Usage
「温めますか？」	「あたためますか？」 [atatamemasɯ ka]	Polite question asking if warming your food is okay.
「袋はご利用ですか？」	「ふくろはごりようですか？」 [ɸɯkɯɾo wa ɡo ɾijoː desɯ ka]	Polite way to ask if you need a bag.
「○○円になります」	「○○えんになります」 [en ni naɾimasɯ]	Set phrase to politely state the total amount.
「お預かりします」	「おあずかりします」 [o a zɯ kaɾi ɕimasɯ]	“I will take it now” (money, coupon) said politely.
「少々お待ちください」	「しょうしょうおまちください」 [ɕoːɕoː oma tɕi kɯdasai]	“Please wait a moment” politely.
「レシートはご入用ですか？」	「れしーとはごいりようですか？」 [ɾeɕiːto wa ɡo iɾijoː desɯ ka]	“Do you need the receipt?” politely.
「温めなくて大丈夫です」	「あたためなくてだいじょうぶです」 [atatamenakɯte daidʑoːbɯ desɯ]	Gentle way to decline warming.

Callout

Tip: These are offers and checks, not orders. They invite your choice.

Mini Dialogue (at the register)

Clerk: Would you like it warmed? （「温めますか？」）
Customer: Yes, please. （「お願いします」）
Clerk: Do you need a bag? （「袋はご利用ですか？」）
Customer: No, thanks. I have a reusable bag.
Clerk: Certainly. That comes to ○○ yen. （「○○円になります」）
Customer: I’ll pay by e-money.
Clerk: I’ll take it. Please wait a moment. … Thank you. Receipt? （「お預かりします」「少々お待ちください」「レシートはご入用ですか？」）
Customer: Yes, please.

Culture Note: harmony over hierarchy

People in Japan talk about caring for the customer, but going too far can be a problem, called 「カスタマーハラスメント（カスハラ）」.

The idea of 「おもてなし」 is balance so both sides feel comfortable. Service is built with goodwill and trust from both people.

Note

Both clerk and customer are equals as people. Let tone and attitude show respect.

Grammar Point: 「〜ます」「〜です」 show care

Convenience-store Japanese often uses the polite forms 「〜ます」「〜です」.

Casual	Polite
「温める？」	「温めますか？」
「袋いる？」	「袋はご利用ですか？」
「ちょっと待って」	「少々お待ちください」
「お金もらうね」	「お預かりします」

Polite endings act like a soft cushion: they keep a gentle distance and carry care.

Callout

Think: “polite style is a tool to care,” not “just formal words.”

Fine-tuning politeness

「〜ますか？」 basic question. Example: 「温めますか？」
「〜ましょうか？」 offering help. Example: 「温めましょうか？」
「〜でよろしいですか？」 final check. Example: 「こちらでよろしいですか？」

Kindness is universal

You hear 「温めますか？」 in Japan, but the kindness behind it exists everywhere.

Thailand: Would you like less ice?
France: Shall I warm the bread a little?
Taiwan: Do you need a bag? We also have reusable ones.

Asking for preference before acting is shared kindness around the world.

Practice

Make polite versions:
- 「温める？」 → 「温めますか？」
- 「袋いる？」 → 「袋はご利用ですか？」
- 「ちょっと待って」 → 「少々お待ちください」
Practice gentle refusal:
- It’s okay. I don’t need it warmed. （「温めなくて大丈夫です」）
- No bag, thanks. I have a reusable bag. （「袋はいりません」）
Role play: 1-minute register dialogue.

Today’s Summary

「おもてなし」 values harmony and trust.
Convenience-store phrases carry care more than form.
「〜ます」「〜です」 show kindness and respect.
Kindness is universal.

Next: Everyday Japan Through Words ④
How to say “thank you” in Japan where there are no tips?