Japanese grammar
What does ～さ (nominalizing adjectives) mean? Japanese grammar N3
～さ (nominalizing adjectives) means the degree of ~, the ~ness (nominalizes adjectives).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | い形 (drop い) + さ な形 + さ |
| Romaji | sa |
| Meaning | the degree of ~, the ~ness (nominalizes adjectives) |
Forming it
| i-adjective | 高い → 高さ／辛い → 辛さ |
|---|---|
| na-adjective | 便利 → 便利さ／大切 → 大切さ |
How to use it
Turns an adjective into a noun indicating a MEASURABLE degree. Very productive, used in both speech and writing.
- 「さ」 creates a noun indicating degree: 高さ (height), 広さ (area), 辛さ (spiciness), 美しさ (beauty).
- Compared to 「み」: 「さ」 is objective and measurable (「深さ」 = depth in meters); 「み」 leans toward a felt impression (「深み」 = depth/profundity as a feeling).
- i-adjectives drop 「い」 before attaching: 「高い → 高さ」. na-adjectives attach directly: 「便利さ」.
Examples
この料理は辛さがちょうどいい。
The spiciness of this dish is just right.
富士山の高さは三千七百七十六メートルです。
The height of Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters.
Keep in mind
- Do not keep 「い」: 「高いさ」 is incorrect.
- For a more subjective feeling, consider 「み」 instead (甘み・深み).
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの山の高いさは二千メートルです。
The height of this mountain is two thousand meters.
Correctこの山の高さは二千メートルです。
i-adjectives must DROP 「い」 before attaching 「さ」.
-
Wrongこのコーヒーは甘さがある。
This coffee has a sweet taste.
Correctこのコーヒーは甘みがある。
For a felt taste sensation, use 「み」; 「さ」 is used when measuring a degree (甘さを調節する).
Exam tips
- 「さ」 = a noun indicating degree (measurable); for a felt impression use 「み」.