Japanese phrase
お気持ちだけ頂戴します。 o ki mo chi da ke chō dai shi ma su
Meaning
I appreciate the thought, but I must respectfully decline.
When to use it
Declines an offer by accepting only the giver's feelings. The humble verb makes it more formal than similar refusals, so it suits gifts or favors from clients and superiors.
Example dialogue
こちら、よかったらどうぞ。 ko chi ra yo ka tta ra dō zo
Please take this if you would like.
ありがとうございます。お気持ちだけ頂戴します。 a ri ga tō go za i ma su o ki mo chi da ke chō dai shi ma su
Thank you. I appreciate the thought, but I must respectfully decline.