げ
JLPT Level: N2
Meanings
Seemingly
Giving appearance of
[Expresses emotions or feelings]
Usage
い-adjective stem + げ
い-adjective + げだ
い-adjective + げに (adverbial form)
Explanation
げ is a suffix attached to the stem of an i-adjective to express how something appears or feels from the speaker's impression. It conveys a tentative, subjective impression rather than a definite fact. It can describe a visible state (appearance) or an inferred emotion, and is often used in descriptive narration or when guessing about someone’s feelings. It also has an adverbial form げに, which is more literary/formal. Note: げ is generally used with i-adjectives; it modifies the manner or mood rather than stating a definite attribute.
彼女は楽しげに笑った。
かのじょはたのしげにわらった。
She laughed cheerfully.
子供は寂しげに窓の外を見ていた。
こどもはさびしげにまどのそとをみていた。
The child was looking outside the window with a lonely look.
彼は悲しげな表情を浮かべた。
かれはかなしげなひょうじょうをうかべた。
He wore a sad expression.
彼女は嬉しげにプレゼントを開けた。
かのじょはうれしげにプレゼントをあけた。
She opened the gift with a delighted look.
疲れげにため息をつく。
つかれげにためいきをつく。
He sighed, looking tired.