JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
-ness (nominalizing suffix)
Category: Expressions
The grammar pattern "い-Adj（-い）＋さ ／ な-Adj（-な）＋さ" is used to express the degree or state of an adjective as a noun. It is formed by removing the "い" from "い-adjectives" or the "な" from "な-adjectives" and adding "さ" to the remaining base form. This pattern is commonly used to describe the height, size, or quality of something. For example, "高さ" (height) is formed from the adjective "高い" (high), and "静かさ" (quietness) is formed from the adjective "静かな" (quiet).
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base form of い-adjectives | Remove "い" and add "さ" | 高い → 高さ |
| Base form of な-adjectives | Remove "な" and add "さ" | 静かな → 静かさ |
| Base form of adjectives | Remove "い" or "な" and add "さ" | 長い → 長さ |
富士山の高さは3,776メートルです。
Fujisan no takasa wa 3,776 mētoru desu.
The height of Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters.
富士山の高さ (height of Mount Fuji) は 3,776 メートル (3,776 meters) です (is).
この試験の難しさはどれくらいですか。
Kono shiken no mushikasa wa dore kurai desu ka.
How difficult is this exam?
この試験 (this exam) の 難しさ (difficulty) はどれくらい (how much) ですか (is it)?
日本のアニメの人気は世界中で知られています。
Nihon no anime no ninki wa sekai-chū de shirarette imasu.
Japanese anime is popular all over the world.
日本のアニメ (Japanese anime) の 人気 (popularity) は世界中 (all over the world) で知られています (is known).
この料理の美味しさはどれくらいですか。
Kono ryōri no oishikasa wa dore kurai desu ka.
How delicious is this dish?
この料理 (this dish) の 美味しさ (deliciousness) はどれくらい (how much) ですか (is it)?
This pattern is commonly used to describe the degree or state of an adjective as a noun. It is often used in formal or written Japanese. It can be used to compare the degree or state of two or more things. For example, "Aの高さはBの高さより高い" (A's height is higher than B's height).
Leaving the "い" or "な" attached to the adjective can change the meaning of the word. For example, "高い" (high) and "高さ" (height) have different meanings.
Verbs and adjectives have different grammatical functions, and using the pattern with verbs can change the meaning of the sentence.
～み and ～さ have different meanings and are used in different contexts. Make sure to use the correct pattern to avoid confusion.
When taking the JLPT, be careful to remove the "い" or "な" from the adjective and add "さ" to form the correct noun. Also, make sure to use the pattern with adjectives only and not with verbs.
富士山の______は3,776メートルです。
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