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おすそ分け (おすそわけ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
sharing a portion of something received ; passing along a share
Refers to the act of giving part of a gift, food, or profit one has received to others. Often used in casual, friendly contexts. The verb form is おすそ分けする.
分わ
け
し
た
。
Since I got so much, I shared some with the neighbors.
Written forms おすそ 分わ け
Standard mixed kanji-kana spelling. The honorific prefix お is usually written in kana.
お 裾すそ 分わ け
Full kanji spelling using 裾. Less common but still seen.
Kanji 分 part, minute of time, segment 裾 cuff, hem, foot of mountain Similar words 分わ け 前まえ 分け前 is a share or portion in a general sense, often in a business or division context, while おすそ分け specifically implies sharing something that was given to you, with a nuance of goodwill.
お 福ふく 分わ け お福分け is a similar concept but specifically refers to sharing good fortune or happiness, often used in more formal or auspicious situations.
Etymology From お (honorific prefix) + すそ (裾, 'hem' or 'edge', metaphorically a small portion) + 分け (share). The word originally referred to sharing a small part of something received, like a piece of cloth from the hem of a kimono.
