Japanese grammar
What does ～（で）すら mean? Japanese grammar N1
～（で）すら means even…; even so much as….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N +（で）すら |
| Romaji | (de)sura |
| Meaning | even…; even so much as… |
Forming it
| Connection | N +（で）すら |
|---|
How to use it
Gives an extreme example to imply that other cases are even more obviously true. Written style.
- 「N（で）すら」 = even N... N is chosen as the LEAST likely/most extreme case: 「専門家ですら解けなかった」 (even an expert couldn't solve it).
- The subject usually uses 「ですら」, while the object uses 「すら」: 「彼は自分の名前すら書けない」 (he can't even write his own name).
- 「すら」 is the written-style version of 「さえ」. The meanings are nearly the same, but 「すら」 is more formal and always carries an emphatic tone.
Examples
専門家ですら、この問題を解けなかった。
Even an expert could not solve this problem.
彼は自分の名前すら書けない。
He cannot even write his own name.
Keep in mind
- Do not use 「を」 with 「すら」: 「名前すら」, not 「名前をすら」.
- The clause that follows is almost always negative.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong専門家をすら解けない。
Correct専門家ですら解けない。
A noun subject usually uses ですら; an object can use すら.
Exam tips
- 「（で）すら」 = even (the written-style version of 「さえ」); the subject uses 「ですら」.