お粗末(そまつ)

おそまつ
na-adjective, noun
poor quality; inadequate; unsatisfactory
colloquialevaluation
1. poor quality; inadequate; unsatisfactory
Describes something that is of low quality, poorly done, or disappointing. Often used critically.
お粗末(そまつ)な結果(けっか)に終(お)わった。
It ended with a poor result.
お粗末(そまつ)な対応(たいおう)だと批判(ひはん)された。
They were criticized for their inadequate response.
あまりにもお粗末(そまつ)な内容(ないよう)だった。
The content was far too poor.
2. humble expression after serving food
A humble phrase used after serving a meal to guests, meaning 'it was nothing special' or 'sorry it wasn't much'.
お粗末(そまつ)さまでした。
It was nothing special. (humble reply by the host after a meal)
「ごちそうさまでした」「お粗末(そまつ)さまでした」
"Thank you for the meal." "It was nothing special."
お粗末(そまつ)ですが、どうぞ召(め)し上(あ)がってください。
It's nothing fancy, but please help yourself.

Etymology

お (honorific prefix) + 粗末(そまつ) (crude, rough)

Usage

Sense 1: Critical evaluation of quality, often used in media/business contexts.
Sense 2: Traditional humble expression in Japanese hospitality. The host downplays their cooking as a form of modesty.

Response pattern

  • Guest: ごちそうさまでした (Thank you for the meal)
  • Host: お粗末(そまつ)さまでした (It was nothing special)

Common collocations

general
Added 2026.1.21 10:02 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
07500/07770_osomatsu