「〜すら」- Even
Explanation
「〜すら」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express extreme situations, meaning "even" or "not even." It emphasizes that something is so extreme or unexpected that it goes beyond normal expectations or common sense.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Noun + すら | Noun + すら | Used to emphasize extreme situations, meaning "even" or "not even." |
Basic Usage
Connection
- Noun + すら
Meaning
- Expresses extreme situations, emphasizing that something is beyond expectations or common sense.
Examples
家族 すら信 じられない。- Kazoku sura shinjirarenai.
- I can't even trust my own family.
彼 は自分 の名前 すら書 けない。- Kare wa jibun no namae sura kakenai.
- He can't even write his own name.
彼女 は一番 簡単 な問題 すら解 けなかった。- Kanojo wa ichiban kantan na mondai sura tokenakatta.
- She couldn't even solve the simplest problem.
彼 は水 すら飲 まない。- Kare wa mizu sura nomanai.
- He doesn't even drink water.
Comparison and Differences
「〜すら」 and 「〜さえ」 are very similar in expressing extreme situations, but they have subtle differences in tone and usage.
| Grammar Point | Tone | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| 〜すら | More formal, slightly stronger tone | Often used in written or formal contexts |
| 〜さえ | More casual, slightly softer tone | Often used in everyday conversation |
Example:
彼 は水 さえ飲 まない。- Kare wa mizu sae nomanai.
- He doesn't even drink water.
Deep Dive
「〜すら」 is mainly used to emphasize extreme situations, often carrying a tone of surprise or something beyond expectations. It is commonly used in written or formal contexts to express a strong emotional nuance.
Summary
「〜すら」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express extreme situations, meaning "even" or "not even." Mastering this pattern will help you better convey extreme or unexpected situations in both everyday conversations and formal contexts.