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Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 7

Structure of さ:

［い］Adjective［い］+ さ
［な］Adjective + さ

Details about さ:

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.

私(わたし)が道(みち)の長(なが)さを測(はか)ります。

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)の大切(たいせつ)さが分(わ)かってきた。

After becoming an adult, I came to understand the importance of family. (Family's importantness)

さ

Usage Notes for さ:

Synonyms for さ:

み

~ness, Used to indicate conditions or nature

Example of さ

この美(うつく)しさは初(はじ)めてです。

This beauty is a first for me.

彼(かれ)の元気(げんき)さは子供(こども)みたい。

His energy is like that of a child.

この甘(あま)さは美味(おい)しい。

This sweetness is delicious.

この景色(けしき)の綺麗(きれい)さは言葉(ことば)では説明(せつめい)できない。

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

箱(はこ)の重(おも)さを測(はか)ってください。

Please weigh the heaviness of the box for me?

Grammar same lesson

みたい

Like, Similar to, Resembling

report

のに

Despite, Although, Even though

report

とか

Among other things, For example, Such as

report

こと

Converting a verb into a noun

report

等(など)

Such as, Things like, Etc., And so on

report

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