粗品(そしな)

Etymology

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

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

Cultural note

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..."

CULTURAL NOTE (typical items):

• Towels (タオル)
• Tissues (ティッシュ)
• Pens (ボールペン)
• Eco bags (エコバッグ)
• Snacks (お菓子(かし))

Similar words

• 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 - 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.