粗末

• Reading: そまつ
• Romaji: somatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 粗 (so) — rough, coarse; 末 (matsu) — end, tip
• Pronunciation: /so.ma.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Humble; crude; poor quality. Describes something simple, rough, or inadequately made.

A na-adjective with two overlapping uses. It describes low quality or crudeness: 粗末な食事 (a humble meal), 粗末な家 (a shabby house). It also appears in the set phrase 粗末にする (to treat carelessly/waste): 食べ物を粗末にしてはいけない (you must not waste food). In humble speech, speakers may describe their own offerings as 粗末 to show modesty.

Examples

1. 食べ物を粗末にしてはいけません。 You must not waste food.
2. 粗末な小屋だが、雨はしのげる。 It's a crude hut, but it keeps the rain off.
3. 粗末なものですが、どうぞお召し上がりください。 It's nothing special, but please help yourself.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, humble speech, morals

Tone: modest

Origin & History

Compound of 粗 (so, rough/coarse) and 末 (matsu, end/tip). Together, 'rough at the edges' — something lacking refinement or care.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal