「〜さ」- Expressing Degree and State

Explanation

In Japanese, the grammatical structure 〜さ is used to express the degree or state of something. It nominalizes adjectives, allowing speakers to describe the extent or state of a certain quality.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜さ	い-Adjective stem + さ な-Adjective stem + さ	Used to nominalize adjectives, expressing the degree or state of a certain quality.

Basic Usage

〜さ is often used to describe the degree or state of a certain quality. For example:

• 広ひろい（wide）→ 広ひろさ（extent of width）
• 静しずか（quiet）→ 静しずかさ（degree of quietness）

Examples

• 彼かれの優やさしさに感動かんどうした。
• Kare no yasashisa ni kandou shita.
• I was moved by his kindness.
  

• このこの山やまの高たかさは富士山ふじさんよりも高たかい。
• Kono yama no takasa wa Fujisan yori mo takai.
• The height of this mountain is taller than Mount Fuji.
  

Deep Dive

Describing Sensory Experiences

〜さ can also be used to describe sensory experiences, such as temperature or weight. For example:

• このこのスープすーぷの熱あつさはちょうどいい。
• Kono suupu no atsusa wa choudo ii.
• The temperature of this soup is just right.
  

• このこの石いしの重おもさを計はかってみて。
• Kono ishi no omosa o hakatte mite.
• Try measuring the weight of this stone.
  

Real-Life Scenarios

• Describing the nature of things: このこの部屋へやの広ひろさはどうですか？
• Kono heya no hirosa wa dou desu ka?
• How is the size of this room?
  

• Expressing sensory experiences: 新あたらしい財布さいふの革かわの柔やわらかさが気持きもちいい。
• Atarashii saifu no kawa no yawarakasa ga kimochi ii.
• The softness of the leather on the new wallet feels nice.
  

Summary

〜さ is a practical grammatical structure that effectively describes the degree or state of something. By understanding its usage and distinguishing it from similar grammar points, you can enhance the accuracy and richness of your Japanese expressions.