N135/186

すら

Noun + すらVerb (dictionary form) + すらAdjective + すらPhrase + すら

Meanings

Even

About this pattern

Explanation

すら is a strong particle meaning “even.” It emphasizes that something that would be surprising or ordinary for the speaker to expect is the case, often with a sense of disappointment or astonishment. It carries a nuance of going beyond what is assumed or typical, similar to saying “not even …” in English. It mostly attaches to nouns or noun-like phrases, but can also follow verb stems or adjectives to show that even that basic thing is true. It’s frequently used in negative sentences to highlight the extent of a situation, and is common in both spoken and written Japanese, with a slightly emphatic or literary feel.

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Example sentences

彼は私の名前すら覚えていない。

He doesn't even remember my name.

そんな簡単なことすらできない。

I can’t even do something that easy.

日本語の発音ですら苦手だ。

I'm even bad at Japanese pronunciation.