The origin and meaning of Sasuga in Japanese

Some believe that "sasuga" is a kind of compliment, others translate it as something expected, what is the real meaning of "sasuga" in Japanese? In this article we will invest this word.

Sasuga is a Japanese word with a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can mean "amazing", "great" or "cool" and is often used to express admiration or approval.

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What does sasuga mean?

Sasuga [流石] according to the dictionary it means "as expected" or "as expected" and depending on the situation it can mean "even so", "even so" and "after all".

The word sasuga can also mean "naturally" or "in fact" when used in conjunction with the particle ni [に]. Because it is an expected word, it often refers to quality.

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Basically, the Japanese expression “sasuga” allows you to express your expectations for someone or something. This expectation can be both positive and negative, so it is necessary to analyze the context.

That is, not always when someone says “sasuga”, they are demonstrating a positive feeling of quality, but they may be expressing a negative feeling such as stupidity or disaster.

In short, regardless of whether it's something good or bad, the word "sasuga" expresses something like: "only that person could have done that thing".

Finally, sasuga can also be used to describe someone who is always positive and optimistic, no matter what the situation. This meaning is often used in the context of sports or other competitions.

What does sasuga really mean?

Etymology and Origin of Sasuga

The expression "sasuga" originates from the ideogram [遉] which means "as is to be expected". Nowadays it is written with the ideograms [流石] but is often found in hiragana.

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The ideogram [流] stands for current, flow, way, path and is often used as a classification suffix. The ideogram [石] literally means stone, but it can convey the idea of something valuable like a gemstone.

It says that the origin of sasuga is derived from the mistakes of the Chinese. In the Jin dynasty, a person named Sun Chu said to an acquaintance, “Chinseki Soryu” [枕石漱流], which means “to use a stone as a pillow, to wash your mouth with the flow of the river, and to live freely in nature.”

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However, he ended up expressing himself wrong and said [枕流漱石] which means something like gargling with stones and using the river flow as a pillow. After realizing his mistake, Sun Chun trying to disguise and said:

"I gargle with rocks to brush my teeth. And I use the river's flow as a pillow to wash my ears!"
What does sasuga really mean?
Sun Chun making up excuses...

After the disguise his friend said that his wit was expected. With time the expression [川の流れと石] became [流石] and in the future it became [さすが] gaining its meaning.

Note that the ideograms [流石] do not provide absolutely any equivalent reading or even a meaning related to the expression “sasuga”. That is, sasuga is a type of idiomatic expression.

Read also: Kanyouku – Idioms in Japanese

It seems a bit strange and uncertain the origin of this expression, but this story shows a mixture of intelligence and stupidity, something that represents the meaning of the word, a compliment or a contradiction.

Sasuga Ideas List

Sasuga cannot be completely translated, we already know that it conveys the idea of expectation, so the translation will vary according to context. Below we will leave a list of possible ideas that such an expression can pass, based on phrases found on the internet.

  • Always wins!
  • Great!
  • I knew...
  • As expected...
  • Disguised well...
  • Nice job!
  • That's great, isn't it?
  • Even...
  • It's not for nothing...
  • Of course it is...
  • You are brilliant...
  • It could only be you...

Of course, the word sasuga expresses many more ideas than that. Always remember to analyze the context of the sentence to translate sasuga correctly, but he always conveys this idea of expected. Such an expression can be used when:

  1. As something progresses as expected;
  2. Admit there is some conflict in the outcome;
  3. Although he has expectations, he denies admitting that this has happened;
  4. Something didn't go as expected;
It is worth remembering that it is not recommended to use sasuga [さすが] with your boss or someone superior, it is an informal word. 
What does sasuga really mean?

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Synonyms for Sasuga

Another way to better understand the meaning of sasuga is to know other Japanese words that are considered synonymous or have similar meanings.

  • An no Jyou [案の定] - Just as it was thought; as usual; absolutely;
  • Shinkocchou [真骨頂] - One's true worth; the real me; what is actually made of;
  • Menmokuyakujyo [面目躍如] - Demonstrating value; Reinforcing reputation; increasing prestige; earning an honor; making a credit;
  • Meibutsu [名物] - Famous product; special product; specialty; specialty;
  • Nozomu [望む] - Desire; wait;
  • Omou [思う] - Think; to imagine; Suppose; Consider;

phrases with sasuga

To fully understand the meaning of sasuga, let's conclude by studying some Japanese phrases. Remember to share the article and leave your comments.

さすがにこういうところには住みたくないな。
Sasuga ni kouiu tokoro ni wa sumitakunai na
Just like I thought, I don't want to live in this kind of place
さすがだね。君ならやってくれると思っていたよ。
Sasuga. I thought you would come if it was you. 
Great! It's like you've thought about it.

No matter how you use it, sasuga is a great word to add to your Japanese vocabulary!

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