Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 4: 20/21

さ (Casual よ)Casual よ

Used only at the end of a sentence

Structure

Phrase + (1)

(1) さぁ、さあ、さー

Details

  • Register

    Casual

About さ - Casual よ

is a 感動詞(かんどうし) (interjection) in Japanese that has three primary uses. These are as follows:

(さそ)い、(うなが)し - To invite, incite, or draw attention to something.

(おどろ)き、当惑(とうわく)し - The express surprise, confusion, or bewilderment.

(はなし)(なが)(おさ)える - To control or keep in check the flow of a conversation.

In this lesson, we will be focusing on a specific feature of the first meaning (to draw attention). Unlike other types of drawing attention that is able to be used for (see this grammar point), this will only appear at the end of sentences. Here, is almost identical in meaning to that of よ, with a slight added nuance of high confidence in what one is saying.

Caution

This is primarily used by men, and can vary in meaning depending on the speaker's tone of voice. However, in almost all situations will mean 'what I just said is correct' (sometimes angrily, sometimes informatively, and even sometimes in a completely carefree way).

  • (まえ)...
    You (Are you freaking serious)
  • たかし(くん)()きたいって。どうしよう?(かれ)招待(しょうたい)する
    Takashi-kun said he wants to go too. What should we do? Should we invite him too?
  • そんな(おれ)だってできる()からないけど
    Although I am not certain, even I would be able to do something like that.

Women may also use as a sentence ender, but わよ tends to be more common.

Examples

--:--

    (ぼく)はNBAでやるつもり。」

    'I intend to play in the NBA.' (emphasis; softer than よ)

    A:「(かれ)約束(やくそく)(やぶ)ったって。」
    B:「そんな(ひと)じゃない。」

    A: 'I heard that he broke his word.'
    B: 'He is not that type of person!' (emphasis; softer than よ)

    「まぁ、なんとかなる。」

    'Well, somehow I'll get by.' (emphasis; softer than よ)

    A:「(さむ)い。(さむ)すぎるよ。」
    B:「どうってことない。」

    A: 'It's cold. Soo cold.'
    B: 'This is nothing.' (emphasis; softer than よ)

    「テレビで台風(たいふう)がやってくるって。」

    'They say on tv that a typhoon is coming.' (emphasis; softer than よ)

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

さ - Casual よ – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (2 in total)

  • DonChanHype

    DonChanHype

    There’s a great explanation of this on Tae Kim’s Guide here

    • 「な」 and 「さ」 sentence-ending particles
  • Pushindawood

    Pushindawood

    Thank you for the share! I have added this reading to the grammar point’s Reading page. Cheers!

Got questions about さ - Casual よ? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

Join the Discussion