み
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
the quality of being ~
the state or character of ~
ness; essence of ~
Usage
Adj-い-stem + み
Noun + み
Explanation
み is a suffix that turns a word into a noun indicating the quality, state, or nature of that word. It often conveys a poetic or literary nuance and is commonly used with i-adjectives (by taking the stem and adding み) to form words like sadness or warmth. The resulting noun describes the abstract feel or characteristic rather than a concrete quantity.
彼の別れには深い悲しみがあった。
かれのわかれにはふかいかなしみがあった。
There was deep sadness in his parting.
彼の笑顔には温かみを感じる。
かれのえがおにはあたたかみをかんじる。
One can feel warmth in his smile.