差(さ)し入(い)れ

さしいれ
noun
gift; treat; refreshments (for workers); care package
1. gift; treat; refreshments (for workers); care package
food, drinks, or small gifts brought to people who are working hard, such as coworkers staying late, performers, or students studying
ファンから差(さ)し入(い)れが届(とど)いた。
Gifts arrived from fans.
差(さ)し入(い)れのお菓子(かし)をみんなで分(わ)けた。
We shared the snacks that were brought for us.
残業(ざんぎょう)している同僚(どうりょう)に差(さ)し入(い)れを持(も)っていった。
I brought some treats for my colleagues who were working overtime.

FORMATION:
差(さ)す (to insert/give) + 入(い)れる (to put in) → something given/put in (for others)

CULTURAL CONTEXT:

差(さ)し入(い)れ is a thoughtful gesture in Japanese culture, showing appreciation and support for people who are working hard. Common occasions include:

  • Office overtime work
  • School club activities
  • Theater/concert backstage
  • Moving day helpers
  • Hospital visits

COMMON ITEMS:

  • お菓子(かし) (snacks/sweets)
  • 飲(の)み物(もの) (drinks)
  • おにぎり (rice balls)
  • サンドイッチ (sandwiches)
  • コーヒー (coffee)

VERB FORM:

  • 差(さ)し入(い)れる (to bring a gift/treat)
  • 差(さ)し入(い)れをする (to give a 差(さ)し入(い)れ)

NOTE:
Also has a legal meaning of delivering items to people in custody/prison, but this usage is less common in everyday conversation.

RELATED:

  • 手土産(てみやげ) (gift when visiting)
  • 陣中見舞(じんちゅうみま)い (care package during busy times)
  • お見舞(みま)い (get-well gift)
general
Added 2026.1.25 20:45 · Revised 2026.3.18 16:09
08000/08294_sashiire