Hashioki is used since it is dirty if chopsticks are placed directly on the table and the tips touch the surface of the table, and it is also used to avoid the food particles remaining on the tips of chopsticks from touching the table and making the table dirty.
また、そのまま机に置くと箸先を机の表面に触れさせ、不潔であること、食事に使用後は箸先の食品の残りが机に触れて汚すのを避ける役割がある。