寸志

• 読み: すんし
• ローマ字: sunshi
• 漢字の分解: 寸 (sun) — a tiny amount, small unit; 志 (shi/kokorozashi) — intention, will, feeling
• 発音: /sɯɴ.ɕi/

意味

Small token of appreciation; modest gift; gratuity. A modest offering given as a gesture of gratitude, used as a humble expression.

A humble (謙譲語) expression used when giving a tip, small gift, or monetary token of thanks. The giver uses 寸志 to downplay the value of their offering. Often written on envelope flaps or gift tags in formal settings. It is improper to describe someone else's gift as 寸志 — only one's own.

例文

1. 御礼のしるしとして、ほんの寸志ですがお受け取りください。
2. 封筒に寸志と書いて、お世話になった方に渡した。
3. 寸志では足りませんが、日頃の感謝の気持ちです。

使い方ガイド

場面: gift-giving, business etiquette, social customs

トーン: humble

起源と歴史

Compound of 寸 (a small unit of length, hence 'a tiny amount') and 志 (intention, will, thought). Together they convey the sense of 'a small expression of one's feeling,' emphasising the inadequacy of the gift relative to the favour received.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional–Modern

世代: Adults

社会的背景: Universal