粗品(そしな)

そしな
noun
small gift; token (gift); humble gift
1. small gift; token gift; modest present
A small, often inexpensive gift given as a token of appreciation or as a promotional item. The term is humble - even if the gift is nice, calling it 粗品(そしな) shows modesty.
ご来店(らいてん)の方(かた)に粗品(そしな)を進呈(しんてい)いたします。
We will present a small gift to those who visit our store.
粗品(そしな)ですが、どうぞお受(う)け取(と)りください。
It's just a small token, but please accept it.
アンケートに答(こた)えると粗品(そしな)がもらえる。
You can get a small gift if you answer the questionnaire.

COMPOUND STRUCTURE:
粗(そ) (rough, crude) + 品(しな) (goods, item)

Literally "crude/humble goods" - a self-deprecating way to refer to a gift.

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
In Japanese gift-giving culture, it's customary to downplay the value of gifts you give. Calling a gift 粗品(そしな) is polite humility, regardless of the actual value of the item.

Typically written as 粗品(そしな) on:

  • Promotional giveaways at stores
  • Thank-you gifts for customers
  • Small tokens of appreciation
  • Corporate gift items

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 粗品(そしな)を進呈(しんてい)する - to present a small gift
  • 粗品(そしな)を差(さ)し上(あ)げる - to offer a humble gift
  • 粗品(そしな)ですが... - "It's just a small thing, but..."

COMMON 粗品(そしな) ITEMS:

  • Towels (タオル(たおる))
  • Tissues (ティッシュ(てぃっしゅ))
  • Pens (ボールペン(ぼーるぺん))
  • Eco bags (エコバッグ(えこばっぐ))
  • Snacks (お菓子(おかし))

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 寸志(すんし) - small tip/token of gratitude (for cash)
  • 記念品(きねんひん) - commemorative item
  • ノベルティ(のべるてぃ) - novelty item, promotional goods
  • お土産(みやげ) - souvenir, gift
  • 贈答品(ぞうとうひん) - gift (formal)

REGISTER:
Polite/formal. Common in business and customer service contexts.

general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50
07000/07470_soshina