すいません片手で - Apologizing for using one hand when giving something?

[ihitokage]

こんにちは
I have watched a Japanese conversation video and I noticed a girl saying:
すいません片手で (Sumimasen katate de)
When giving money to the shop owner with one hand.
片手で means one hand, right?

My assumption is that she was apologizing for using just one hand. I've heard that it is a custom in Japan to give gifts, money, business cards, etc. with both hands. So is she apologizing for being impolite when using one hand?

Could anyone explain, tell if this is a common phrase, or give more similar examples of usage?
よろしくお願いします

 

[KLAUSED]

So is she apologizing for being impolite when using one hand?

Yes. But I don't think it's common for people to excuse themselves for paying with one hand at a store.

すみません片手で is the inverted form of the more common 片手ですみません.

 

[ihitokage]

Yes. But I don't think it's common for people to excuse themselves for paying with one hand at a store.

Thank you! Do you think it can be used somewhere else than in a store?

 

[gengo]

My assumption is that she was apologizing for using just one hand. I've heard that it is a custom in Japan to give gifts, money, business cards, etc. with both hands. So is she apologizing for being impolite when using one hand?

With 名刺 it is definitely considered impolite to use just one hand either to give or to receive one. When paying at a store, though, I don't think it's unusual to offer the cash or credit card with just one hand. And as Klaused says, it certainly is unusual to apologize for doing so. Maybe there is more context to your situation.

However, if I were handing my 不動産屋さん an envelope containing my rent, for example, I would use two hands, and would expect the other person to use two hands to accept it. It's just a way of showing respect for the transaction.

 

[ihitokage]

Thanks as always @gengo
Yea I kept forgetting this when I was in Japan and I felt really bad afterwards . I just gave people gifts but still...

 

[gengo]

Yeah, I kept forgetting this when I was in Japan and I felt really bad afterwards

I think most Japanese are more forgiving of foreigners because they understand that foreigners may not be familiar with Japanese customs. I'm sure the recipients of your gifts were still very appreciative.