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-ness (nominalizing suffix)
Definition
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).
Structure
| 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 |
Examples
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)?
Context
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).
Watch out
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.
Strategy
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.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows い-Adj（-い）＋さ ／ な-Adj（-な）＋さ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
富士山の高さは3,776メートルです。
Pattern used: 高さ
高い becomes 高さ (height) to refer to a specific measurement.
この試験の難しさはどれくらいですか。
Pattern used: 難しさ
難しい becomes 難しさ (difficulty) — remove い, add さ.
日本のアニメの面白さは世界中で知られています。
Pattern used: 面白さ
面白い becomes 面白さ to talk about the quality of being interesting as a noun.
Interactive
富士山の______は3,776メートルです。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.