さ
Converting adjectives to nouns
Structure
［な］Adjective + さ
Explanation
The suffix さ attaches to the stem of both い-Adjectives and な-Adjectives in Japanese. This process changes the adjective into a noun that expresses the degree or extent of that quality. This is often equivalent to the suffix '-ness' in English (e.g., happiness, sadness, coldness).
- この荷物の重さを教えてください。Please tell me the weight of this luggage. (The luggage's heaviness)
- このアプリの便利さが好きです。I like the convenience of this app. (This app's convenientness)
Fun Fact
The suffix さ is believed to originate from the kanji 差, meaning 'difference' or 'distinction'. Due to this, it was used to point out a notable characteristic. Similarly, さ is sometimes found after the dictionary form of a verb to mark the specific moment an action takes place.
- 駅に着くさに雨が降り始めた。Just as I arrived at the station, it started to rain. (At the 'point' of arriving)
- 家を出るさで、鍵を忘れたことに気づいた。As I was leaving the house, I realized I'd forgotten my keys. (At the 'point' of leaving)
However, using this suffix with verbs is quite uncommon in contemporary Japanese and is considered 'poetic language'. This usage was most widespread during Japan's medieval era, which lasted from roughly the 12th century until near the end of the 16th century.
Examples
この山の高さには驚きました。
I was surprised by the height of this mountain.
日本の電車の便利さは世界一だと思う。
I think the convenience of Japan's trains is the best in the world.
子供の頃の楽しさを時々思い出す。
Sometimes I recall the fun of my childhood.
今年の夏の暑さは異常だ。
The heat of this summer is abnormal.
彼の優しさにはいつも感謝しています。
I'm always grateful for his kindness.
この部屋の広さは十分ですか。
Is the spaciousness of this room sufficient?
彼らはまだその問題の重要さを理解していない。
They still don't understand the importance of that problem.
一人で生きることの辛さがやっと分かった。
I finally understood the hardship of living alone.
この図書館の静かさが好きだ。
I like the quietness of this library.
新幹線の速さには誰もが驚く。
Everyone is surprised by the speed of the bullet train.
日本語を勉強することの難しさを感じている。
I am feeling the difficulty of studying Japanese.
彼女の明るさで、チームの雰囲気が良くなった。
Her cheerfulness improved the team's atmosphere.