Processing keyword: Noun にすら (〜ni sura)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun にすら (〜ni sura)

Noun にすら (〜ni sura)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll delve into the Japanese grammar point Noun にすら (〜ni sura). This structure is used to express strong emphasis, similar to saying "even in" or "even at" in English. By mastering にすら, you'll be able to convey a deeper level of emphasis and nuance in your Japanese communication.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

にすら is used to highlight an extreme case or emphasize that even a particular noun, which might be considered an exception or unlikely scenario, is included. It translates to "even in," "even at," or "even to" in English.

Structure

Formation:

[Noun] + にすら

• に: Particle indicating direction, location, time, or indirect object.
• すら: Particle meaning "even". Diagram:

  Component	Function
  Noun	Subject/Subject of emphasis
  に	Direction/Location marker
  すら	Emphatic particle ("even")

Example Breakdown

Example Sentence:

• 彼は疲れて、起き上がるにすら力がない。
  • Kare wa tsukarete, okiagaru ni sura chikara ga nai.
  • Translation: "He is so tired that he doesn't even have the strength to get up." Explanation:
• 起き上がる (okiagaru): to get up.
• に (ni): particle indicating the action towards which "strength" is needed.
• すら (sura): emphasizes "even" the act of getting up.
• 力がない (chikara ga nai): doesn't have strength.

3. Comparative Analysis

にすら vs. にさえ

Both すら and さえ mean "even," but there are subtle differences:

• にすら:
  • More formal and literary.
  • Stronger emphasis on the unexpectedness.
  • Less common in conversational Japanese.
• にさえ:
  • Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
  • Slightly less formal.
  • Neutral emphasis. Example Comparison:

1. 彼は自分の名前にすら漢字を使わない。
   • "He doesn't even use kanji for his own name." (Emphasizes surprise.)
2. 彼は自分の名前にさえ漢字を使わない。
   • "He doesn't even use kanji for his own name." (Standard emphasis.)

4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

1. 専門家にすら解決できない問題だ。
   • Senmonka ni sura kaiketsu dekinai mondai da.
   • Translation: "It's a problem that even experts cannot solve."
2. 彼女は親友にすら秘密を明かさなかった。
   • Kanojo wa shinyū ni sura himitsu o akasanakatta.
   • Translation: "She didn't reveal the secret even to her best friend."

Informal Spoken Context

While にすら is less common in spoken Japanese, you might encounter it in more dramatic or emphatic speech.

1. 昨日は忙しくて食事をする時間にすら恵まれなかった。
   • Kinō wa isogashikute shokuji o suru jikan ni sura megumarenakatta.
   • Translation: "Yesterday I was so busy that I didn't even have time to eat."

Additional Examples

1. 彼は自分にすら嘘をついている。
   • Kare wa jibun ni sura uso o tsuite iru.
   • Translation: "He is lying even to himself."
2. その風景は夢にすら見たことがない。
   • Sono fūkei wa yume ni sura mita koto ga nai.
   • Translation: "I've never seen that scenery, not even in my dreams."

5. Cultural Notes

Formality and Usage

• すら is considered more formal and literary.
• Commonly found in written language, such as literature, essays, and formal speeches.
• Using すら adds dramatic emphasis and can make the statement feel more profound.

Politeness Levels

• The use of にすら does not significantly alter the politeness level but elevates the formality of the sentence.
• Suitable for formal writing or speeches, less common in casual conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 骨身にすら染みる
  • Honemi ni sura shimiru
  • Translation: "To penetrate even to the bones." (Meaning to feel something deeply.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing すら with さえ
   • Incorrect: 彼は仕事をすることすら楽しんでいる。
   • Correct (but less common): 彼は仕事をすることにすら楽しんでいる。
   • Better with さえ: 彼は仕事をすることさえ楽しんでいる。 Note: In this context, さえ is more natural.
2. Using にすら in Casual Speech
   • Tip: In everyday conversation, opt for にさえ to sound more natural.

Learning Strategies

• Context Recognition: Pay attention to the formality of the situation. Use にすら in formal contexts.
• Practice Substitution: Try rewriting sentences using both にすら and にさえ to understand the nuance.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• にすら adds strong emphasis, translating to "even in/at."
• It's more formal and often used in written or formal spoken Japanese.
• Remember that すら follows particles like に for emphasis.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the main difference between にすら and にさえ?
   • Answer: にすら is more formal and emphasizes unexpectedness, while にさえ is more common and neutral in emphasis.
2. Translate to Japanese using にすら:
   • "She didn't even trust her own judgment."
   • Answer: 彼女は自分の判断にすら信頼しなかった。
3. True or False: にすら is commonly used in everyday casual conversations.
   • Answer: False. にすら is formal and more common in written language.

By understanding and practicing Noun にすら (〜ni sura), you can enhance your Japanese language skills, especially in formal writing and speech, to convey strong emphasis and nuance.