Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 3: 6/18

Converting adjectives to nouns

Structure Legend

Structure

[い]Adjective[+
[な]Adjective +

Details

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    一般

About さ

is a suffix in Japanese that can be attached to the stem form of い-Adjectives and な-Adjectives. When this happens, it transforms the target adjective into a noun that illustrates the 'amount' of that particular adjective. This commonly translates as '-ness' in English (sweetness, tallness, spiciness, etc), but is referred to as degree in Japanese.
  • (わたし)(みち)(なが)(はか)ます
    I will measure the length of the road. (The road's lengthiness)
  • 大人(おとな)になってから家族(かぞく)大切(たいせつ)()かってきた
    After becoming an adult, I came to understand the importance of family. (Family's importantness)
Fun Fact
It is thought that this suffix originally stemmed from the kanji () (meaning 'distinction'), and was used for highlighting things that were distinctive features of something. In this way, is also sometimes used after the dictionary form of verbs, to highlight a distinct point in time that something happens.
  • 学校(がっこう)からの(かえ)にお(かね)(ひろ)
    On the way back from school, I picked up some money. (At the 'point' of returning home)
  • ()(いえ)(わす)(もの)こと(おも)()
    When I was on my way there, I remembered that I had left something at home. (At the 'point' of going somewhere)
However, this use of the suffix is far less common in modern Japanese, and is known as 'poetic language'. It was primarily used during Japan's 'middle ages', which spanned from (around) 1100, until close to the end of the 1500's.

Examples

  • この(うつく)(はじ)めてです

    This beauty is a first for me.

  • (かれ)元気(げんき)子供(こども)みたい

    His energy is like that of a child.

  • この(あま)美味(おい)しい

    This sweetness is delicious.

  • この景色(けしき)綺麗(きれい)言葉(ことば)説明(せつめい)できない。

    I am unable to explain the prettiness of this scenery with words.

  • (はこ)(おも)(はか)てください

    Please weigh the heaviness of the box for me?

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さ – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (7 in total)

  • adrianh

    adrianh

    About 10 months ago

    Can someone elaborate on the Fun Fact of this entry?

    I cannot find anything about it, is not even finished:

    However, this use of the suffix is far less common in modern Japanese, and is known as ’

  • Fuga

    Fuga

    About 10 months ago

    Hey there @adrianh !

    It mentions the old use here.

    When you say it is not finished, do you mean that nothing is displayed after ‘…and is know as…’? It is supposed to say 'However, this use of the suffix is far less common in modern Japanese, and is known as ‘poetic language’. It was primarily used during Japan’s ‘middle ages’, which spanned from (around) 1100, until close to the end of the 1500’s. ’

  • adrianh

    adrianh

    About 10 months ago

    Thank you so much @Fuga !

    Yeah, I was referring to the sentence finishing at "also is known as ’ ", but it has been corrected

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