差し挟む

• Reading: さしはさむ
• Romaji: sashihasamu
• Kanji breakdown: 差 (sa) — to extend, to interpose; 挟 (kyō/hasamu) — to sandwich, to insert between
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɕi.ha.sa.mɯ/

Meaning

To insert; to interpose; to interject something between others or into a conversation.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 差し (prefix of direction) and 挟む (to sandwich, to pinch between). It describes the act of inserting an object, comment, or objection into a space or conversation. Common fixed expressions include 疑義を差し挟む (to raise doubts) and 口を差し挟む (to interject in conversation), both carrying a slightly formal register used in official or literary contexts.

Examples

1. 彼は会議中に何度も口を差し挟んで議論を脱線させた。 He repeatedly interjected during the meeting, derailing the discussion.
2. 条約の文言に疑義を差し挟む余地はないと外相は述べた。 The foreign minister stated that there was no room to raise doubts about the wording of the treaty.
3. 彼女は二人の口論に無理やり意見を差し挟んだ。 She forced her opinion into the argument between the two of them.

Usage Guide

Context: formal discourse, legal, debate, literary

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 差し (directional prefix, from 差す) and 挟む (to pinch or sandwich between, from the kanji 挟 depicting pressing from both sides). The image is of forcing something into a narrow space that would otherwise remain closed.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated