駆(か)け込(こ)み

かけこみ
noun
last-minute rush; rushing in; emergency shelter
transportationtime-general
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(か)け込(こ)み乗車(じょうしゃ)は危険(きけん)です。
Rushing onto trains is dangerous.
I applied at the last minute before the deadline.
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(か)け込(こ)み寺(でら)に助(たす)けを求(もと)める。
To seek help at a refuge shelter.
困(こま)ったときの駆(か)け込(こ)み先(さき)を決(き)めておく。
I'll decide in advance where to turn for help in an emergency.
交番(こうばん)は地域(ちいき)の駆(か)け込(こ)み場所(ばしょ)になっている。
Police boxes serve as emergency refuge points in the community.

Forms

駆(か)ける (to run) + 込(こ)む (to rush into) → rushing in

Common expressions

Last-minute (sense 1):

Refuge (sense 2):

  • 駆(か)け込(こ)み寺(でら) (historically a temple where a woman fleeing her marriage could take refuge; now any place of last resort for help)
  • 駆(か)け込(こ)み先(さき) (place to turn to for help)

Cultural note

Announcements on Japanese trains frequently warn against 駆(か)け込(こ)み乗車(じょうしゃ) (rushing onto trains before doors close).

Related words