1.
sharing gifts or food received, passing along a portion
The practice of sharing part of something you have received (food, gifts, good fortune) with others. Reflects the Japanese custom of distributing gifts and surplus among neighbors, friends, and colleagues.
お裾分けをいただいた。
I received a share (of something they got).
隣の人からりんごのお裾分けをもらった。
I received some apples as a share from my neighbor.
田舎の実家から野菜がたくさん届いたので、職場の人にお裾分けした。
A lot of vegetables arrived from my parents' home in the countryside, so I shared some with my coworkers.
USAGE:
Used with する (お裾分けする, to share with others) or もらう/いただく (to receive a share). The お prefix is standard and rarely omitted.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- お裾分けする: to share with others
- お裾分けをもらう: to receive a share
- お裾分けをいただく: to receive a share (polite)
- 幸せのお裾分け: sharing one's happiness (figurative)
ETYMOLOGY:
裾 (hem of a garment) + 分け (dividing/sharing). The image is of sharing from the edges or surplus of what one has.
CULTURAL NOTE:
This practice is deeply embedded in Japanese community life. When someone receives a large quantity of food, seasonal produce from relatives, or souvenirs from a trip, sharing portions with neighbors and colleagues is expected.