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
He doesn't even remember my name.
I can’t even do something that easy.
I'm even bad at Japanese pronunciation.
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More N1 patterns
from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including
View detailsNo matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~
View detailslike; similar to; as if; the same as
View detailsto be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient
View detailsextreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree
View detailsEven though; Even if; Although; Despite
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