手間を惜しむ

• 読み: てまをおしむ
• ローマ字: tema wo oshimu
• 漢字の分解: 手 (te) — hand; 間 (ma) — interval, time; 惜 (oshi) — regret, begrudge
• 発音: /te.ma.o.o.ɕi.mɯ/

意味

To begrudge effort; to be reluctant to put in the work. Avoiding effort or cutting corners.

A verbal expression combining 手間 (tema, effort/labour) with 惜しむ (oshimu, to begrudge/be reluctant). Used to describe someone who avoids putting in the necessary effort, often with a slightly critical nuance. The opposite expression 手間を惜しまない (to spare no effort) is used as praise. 惜しむ is a Group 1 (godan) verb.

例文

1. 手間を惜しむと結局やり直しになる。
2. 手間を惜しまずに作った料理はやはりおいしい。
3. 彼は手間を惜しんで安い材料で済ませた。

使い方ガイド

場面: work, cooking, craftsmanship

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

A native Japanese compound: 手間 (tema, from 手 hand + 間 interval, meaning time and effort required) + 惜しむ (oshimu, to begrudge/regret using). A traditional expression reflecting the value placed on diligence.

文化的背景

時代: Edo period

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal