お裾分(すそわ)け

おすそわけ
noun
sharing (of gifts or food)
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(すそわ)けをいただいた。
I received a share (of something they got).
隣(となり)の人(ひと)からりんごのお裾分(すそわ)けをもらった。
I received some apples as a share from my neighbor.
田舎(いなか)の実家(じっか)から野菜(やさい)がたくさん届(とど)いたので、職場(しょくば)の人(ひと)にお裾分(すそわ)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(すそわ)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(すそわ)けする: to share with others
  • お裾分(すそわ)けをもらう: to receive a share
  • お裾分(すそわ)けをいただく: to receive a share (polite)
  • 幸(しあわ)せのお裾分(すそわ)け: sharing one's happiness (figurative)

Etymology

裾(すそ) (hem of a garment) + 分(わ)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.

general
Added 2026.2.8 14:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10602_osusowake