Japanese grammar
What does ～にすら mean? Japanese grammar N1
～にすら means even…; even to….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + にすら N + すら |
| Romaji | nisura |
| Meaning | even…; even to… |
Forming it
| Noun (matter) | 親 + にすら |
|---|---|
| Noun (person) | 専門家 + にすら |
How to use it
States an EXTREME example to imply “let alone other cases”. The latter clause is usually negative.
- 「～にすら」 states the most EXTREME case: “even A...”, implying that other cases go without saying.
- The latter clause is almost always NEGATIVE: 「専門家にすら分からない」.
- More formal than 「～さえ」; 「に」 is kept when a particle marking the object is needed.
Examples
その原因は専門家にすら分からない。
Not even the experts understand the cause.
彼は親にすら本当のことを話さなかった。
He didn’t tell the truth even to his own parents.
Keep in mind
- The clause that follows is usually negative.
- More formal than 「さえ」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong子供にすら分からない問題を先生が解いた。
This is a problem even an expert cannot understand.
Correct専門家にすら分からない問題だ。
Must choose an EXTREME case (the most capable) for the phrase "even A cannot" to carry weight.
-
Wrong専門家にすら分かる。
Even an expert cannot understand it.
Correct専門家にすら分からない。
「にすら」 almost always goes with a NEGATIVE clause.
Exam tips
- 「にすら」 = even A cannot...; the latter clause is usually negative, more formal than 「さえ」.