施ほどこし

ほ

ど

こ

し

Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

Refers to giving money, food, or other help to the poor or needy, often with a nuance of mercy or compassion. Can also imply a condescending or pitying attitude in some contexts.

彼かれは貧まずしい人ひと々びとに施ほどこしを与あたえた。
He gave alms to the poor.
施ほどこしを受うけるのはプライドが許ゆるさなかった。
His pride wouldn't allow him to accept charity.

Expressions

手ての施ほどこしようがないbeyond help; nothing can be done

Kanji

施give, bestow, perform

Related words

寄き付ふ
寄付 is a more formal, organized donation, often to an institution or cause, while 施し is more personal, direct giving to the needy, sometimes with a religious or pitying nuance.
慈じ善ぜん
慈善 is the broader concept of charity or philanthropy, often used in compound words like 慈善事業 (charitable work), whereas 施し refers to the concrete act of giving alms.

Word family

施ほどこし物もの
alms; charity; handout

Written forms

施ほどこしUsage68%
Standard kanji spelling; the noun form of 施す.
ほどこしUsage32%
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji is not needed.

Etymology

The noun form of the verb 施す (ほどこす), meaning 'to give, bestow, or apply'. The kanji 施 carries the meaning of 'give, bestow, charity'.