1.
last-minute rush; rushing in at the last moment
doing something hastily just before a deadline, or rushing into a closing door/entrance
駆け込み乗車は危険です。
Rushing onto trains is dangerous.
締め切り前に駆け込みで申請した。
I applied at the last minute before the deadline.
増税前の駆け込み需要で売上が増えた。
Sales increased due to last-minute demand before the tax hike.
2.
emergency shelter; refuge
a place where people can take refuge in emergencies; also used for shelters for domestic abuse victims
駆け込み寺に助けを求める。
To seek help at a refuge shelter.
DVの被害者を駆け込みシェルターで保護する。
To protect domestic violence victims at an emergency shelter.
交番は地域の駆け込み場所になっている。
Police boxes serve as emergency refuge points in the community.
FORMATION:
駆ける (to run) + 込む (to rush into) → rushing in
SENSE 1 - LAST-MINUTE:
- 駆け込み乗車 (rushing onto trains - dangerous and discouraged)
- 駆け込み需要 (last-minute demand, e.g., before price increases)
- 駆け込み申請 (last-minute application)
SENSE 2 - REFUGE:
- 駆け込み寺 (temple refuge - historically for abused women)
- 駆け込みシェルター (emergency shelter)
TRAIN SAFETY:
Announcements on Japanese trains frequently warn against 駆け込み乗車 (rushing onto trains before doors close).
VERB FORM:
- 駆け込む (to rush in)
RELATED:
- 滑り込み (slipping in at the last moment)
- 飛び込み (jumping in unexpectedly)