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 any convenience store in Japan, staff speak very politely. Short phrases like 「温めますか？」 and 「袋はご利用ですか？」 carry kindness.

In this article, we learn how Japanese shows care with words, using common phrases from convenience stores.

Today's Words

Japanese	Pronunciation	Meaning / Usage
「温めますか？」	「あたためますか？」 [atatamemasɯ ka]	A polite question asking if it is okay to warm your food in the microwave.
「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]	A 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]	A set phrase to politely state the total price.
「お預かりします」	「おあずかりします」 [o a zɯ kaɾi ɕimasɯ]	A polite way to say “I will take your cash/coupon now.”
「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]	A polite way to ask you to wait a short moment.
「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]	A polite way to ask if you need the receipt.
「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]	A gentle reply to decline warming.

Callout

Tip: These questions are signs of choice and care. They are not orders. The staff is asking for your preference.

Mini Dialogue (at the register)

Clerk: Would you like me to heat it up? （「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 will be ○○ yen. （「○○円になります」）
Customer: I will pay by e-money.
Clerk: I will take it. Please wait a moment. … Thank you. Do you need the 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, not hierarchy

In Japan, people often talk about caring for the customer. Sometimes, however, requests go too far. This is called 「カスタマーハラスメント（カスハラ）」 in Japanese.

The heart of 「おもてなし」 is not to put the customer “above.” It is to keep good balance so both sides feel comfortable. Service is built on goodwill and trust. Goodwill should meet goodwill on both sides.

Note

Remember: both clerk and customer are people. Let tone and attitude show mutual respect.

Grammar Point: showing care with 「〜ます」「〜です」

Many phrases you hear in convenience stores use the polite style 「〜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」

These polite endings act like a soft cushion. They keep a gentle distance and carry the message “I care about you,” together with a calm voice.

Callout

Hint: Think “polite style = a tool to show care,” not “polite style = stiff language.”

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 not only Japanese

The phrase 「温めますか？」 is common in Japan, but the feeling of care is universal.

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.

In every country, asking for the other person’s preference before acting is a shared kindness. Japanese often expresses this kindness with polite forms and a gentle voice.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Speaking too fast: slow down and speak clearly.
Speaking too softly: use a clear, audible voice.
Repeating the same phrase too many times: confirm briefly, with a smile.
Using overly difficult polite forms: use complex patterns like 「〜させていただく」 only when needed.

Practice

Rewrite in polite style:
- 「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: make a 1-minute register dialogue in pairs.

Today’s Summary

「おもてなし」 values harmony and trust more than hierarchy.
Convenience-store phrases carry care more than form.
「〜ます」「〜です」 show kindness and respect.
Care is a shared human value around the world.

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