Japanese phrase
お気持ちだけいただきます。 o ki mo chi da ke i ta da ki ma su
Meaning
Thank you, but I will have to say no.
When to use it
Politely declines an offer while showing appreciation. It is a gentle and formal way to refuse a gift, food, or help without sounding cold.
Example dialogue
これ、よかったらどうぞ。 ko re yo ka tta ra dō zo
Here, please take this.
お気持ちだけいただきます。 o ki mo chi da ke i ta da ki ma su
Thank you, but I will have to say no.