No, I Don't Need a Bag by Molly Hakes
In an age when Americans are attempting to reduce the amount of waste they generate, you may be shocked at the amount of material that is used to package products in Japan. Buy a box of cookies, and you may find not only that the plastic tray holding the cookies is encased in a foil wrap, but that each individual cookie is also wrapped. Cashiers are quick to double-bag things, too, often using their free time to prepare smaller bags to make them easily accessible for drippy things like fish and toofu. Please let the cashier know right away if you have brought your own bag.
Jibun no fukuro o motte kimashita.
I brought my own bag.
Fukuro wa arimasu.
I have a bag.
Still, you may have to stop the convenience store clerk from slipping that tiny pack of gum you bought into a plastic bag.
Fukuro wa irimasen.
I don't need a bag.
Fukuro wa ii desu.
I don't need a bag.
The first sentence is very straightforward, the second one, subtler. Ii desu, in this situation, is more like “no thank you.” The English translations in both sample sentences are identical, but there is a difference in the tone of voice — the second sample sentence has a gentler, indirect tone to it.
If you choose to not bag your purchase, the cashier may want to put a sticker on the item, indicating that it has been purchased.
Shiiru o hatte mo ii desu ka.
Do you mind if I put on a sticker?
Shiiru o koko de harimasu ne.
I'm going to put a sticker here, okay?
Remember, if you hear a verb with a -te ending followed by mo ii desu ka, permission to do something is being asked. In this case, putting a sticker on the item purchased is the subject. In this case, haru becomes hatte. In the second sample sentence, the speaker ends with ne. This is a conversational technique that softens the sound of a request. Ne, among other things, signifies a need for confirmation from the listener.
If you plan on attending a festival in Japan, it is worth the expense to splurge on a colorful cotton summer kimono called a yukata. Luckily, kimono come in just one size and one size really does fit all. The desired uniform body shape (squarish) is achieved through much padding (towels and cotton are popular stuffings), folding, and wrapping. The kimono sensei will be on call at any store that sells yukata, ready to swoop in and wrap you up like a birthday present at a moment's notice.
