粗品
also: そひん
Meanings
small gift; token of appreciation
Only when written 粗品
Humble term for a modest gift one gives, often used when presenting something to a superior or customer. Also refers to promotional freebies given by businesses. The reading is almost always そしな.
This is just a small token, but please accept this gift.
We are offering a small gift to customers who visit our store.
inferior goods; low-quality article
Archaic original meaning; not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
In old documents, 粗品 can refer to goods of poor quality.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に粗品を差し上げるto humbly present a small gift to someone
I gave a small token gift to the teacher who had helped me so much.
- 粗品を配るto hand out promotional freebies
During the opening sale, they're handing out free gifts to customers.
- 粗品ですがset phrase used when humbly presenting a small gift
It's just a small token, but please accept it.
- 粗品を用意するto prepare a small gift (for guests, customers, etc.)
I had a small token gift ready for our business partner.