Processing keyword: Noun にすら (〜ni sura)

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

Grammar Point: Noun にすら (〜ni sura)

1. Introduction

The grammar point Noun にすら (〜ni sura) is used to emphasize that even the least expected or the most basic item indicated by the noun is included in a given situation. It conveys a sense of surprise or extremity, often highlighting that something minimal is also affected or included, implying that the situation is more severe or expansive than one might think.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase Noun にすら translates to "even" in English and is often used in negative contexts to stress that even something minimal or expected is not the case.
• Structure:
  • Formation:

    Noun + にすら
    

• Usage Context:
  • Typically used in negative sentences or to express disbelief or surprise about a situation.

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• にすら (ni sura) vs. さえ (sae)
  • Both indicate "even," but にすら often carries a heavier tone of surprise or disbelief, while さえ is more neutral and can be used both in positive and negative contexts.
  • Example:
    • 猫さえ見た (neko sae mita) - "I even saw a cat."
    • 猫にすら見えない (neko ni sura mienai) - "I can't even see a cat."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

• Formal:
  • 彼は友達にすら助けを求めなかった。
    • He didn't even ask for help from his friends.
• Informal:
  • この問題は子供にすら解けない。
    • This problem is something even a child can't solve.
• Spoken:
  • 彼女は私にすら会いたくないみたいだ。
    • It seems she doesn't even want to see me.
• Written:
  • その映画は評論家にすら評価されなかった。
    • That movie was not even appreciated by critics.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using にすら reflects a particular cultural nuance in Japanese communication. It often indicates humility or an acknowledgment of a shortcoming, especially in contexts where one might be expected to perform better or achieve more.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 権威にすら逆らう (ken'i ni sura sakarau) - "To go against even authority," demonstrating extreme defiance.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Using にすら in a positive context when it typically fits a negative context.
  • Incorrect: このテストは簡単にすらです。
  • Correct: このテストは簡単にすらできなかった。

Learning Strategies

• To remember this structure, think of contexts where you might express surprise or highlight extremity, allowing the use of "even" in phrases. Associating it with disbelief can solidify its application.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Noun にすら (〜ni sura) emphasizes that even the least expected situation is included.
• Typically used in negative statements to express surprise or emphasis.
• Distinct from similar expressions like さえ (sae) in tone and usage.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does Noun にすら mean in English?
2. Provide an example sentence using Noun にすら in a negative context.
3. How does にすら differ from さえ in usage? Answers:
4. "Even"
5. (Examples can vary, such as "彼は母にすら言えなかった。")
6. にすら conveys a sense of surprise or disbelief in negative contexts more strongly than さえ.