つまらないものですが
つまらないものですが
expression
it's just a small thing, but...; please accept this humble gift
1.
it's just a small thing, but...; it's nothing special, but...; please accept this humble gift
A humble set phrase used when presenting a gift. It literally means 'it is a trifling thing, but [please take it],' and is a conventional way of downplaying a gift out of modesty. The speaker is not saying the gift is actually worthless — the humility is formulaic.
つまらないものですが。
It's just a small thing, but please accept it.
つまらないものですが、どうぞ。
It's nothing special, but please — here you are.
Formed from つまらない ('trifling, worthless, boring') + もの ('thing') + です + が ('but'). The が is soft and unfinished — the sentence trails off, leaving the request ('please accept it') implied.
Usage
- Said when handing over a gift, souvenir (お土産), or other item to a host, superior, or business contact.
- The sentence is typically left incomplete; the listener understands the implication.
- Often paired with a gesture of offering the gift with both hands.
Common collocations
- つまらないものですが、どうぞ: it's just a small thing, but please take it
- つまらないものですが、お納めください: it's nothing special, but please accept it (more formal)
- つまらないものですが、皆さんで召し上がってください: it's just a small thing, but please everyone enjoy it
Similar words
- 心ばかりの品ですが: it's only a token of my feelings — similar function, slightly more literary
- 気持ちだけですが: it's just a small gesture — informal equivalent
- ほんの少しですが: it's only a little bit — used especially for small amounts of food or drink
Cultural note
- This is humble (謙譲) language: the speaker lowers their own gift to show respect for the recipient, so the modesty is formulaic, not literal. A high-end gift is also introduced this way.
- Some younger speakers now consider the phrase outdated and prefer alternatives like お気に召していただけると嬉しいです ('I hope you will like it'), but つまらないものですが remains standard in traditional business and formal situations.