JLPT N2 Vocabulary – Difference between “さすが” and “さすがに”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “さすが” and “さすがに”
2. さすが
3. さすがに
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “さすが” and “さすがに” and how are they used?
A: These two are quite similar, but their meanings differ, so they cannot be used interchangeably. Let’s take a closer look.
さすが (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
To express admiration when something meets one’s expectations or reputation exactly as thought.
[Usage]
さすが＋Noun
さすが＋(です)
[Point]
Although “さすが” is a な adjective, it cannot be used in the forms “さすがな＋N” or “さすがじゃない.”
[Examples]
こんな美味しい料理が作れるなんて！さすがですね！
You can make such delicious food! That’s impressive!
ジュース買ってきてくれたの！？ さすが！
You got me juice!? That’s great!
1回で成功するなんて！さすがゆみさん！
You succeeded on the first try! That’s amazing, Yumi!
さすがに (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
① Even if something is good to some extent, it is not good if it exceeds the limit.
② Expressing a feeling that acknowledges something but also contradicts it.
③Expressing a feeling that acknowledges something but also thinks it is probably impossible.
[Usage]
さすがに＋Sentence
さすがの＋Noun
[Point]
This is an adverb. The expression “さすがのAも” is also commonly used.
[Examples]
締め切りは明日ですよ！さすがに今日終わらせてください！（①）
The deadline is tomorrow! Please finish it today!
今日の集まりはとても楽しかったけど、さすがに疲れたよ。（②）
Today’s gathering was really good fun, but I’m exhausted.
さすがの警察でも犯人を捕まえられないだろう。（③）
Even the police probably can’t catch the culprit.
Let’s Compare
[さすが]
This is used when the speaker confirms that someone or something meets expectations based on reputation or ability and is impressed again. The speaker has a positive feeling.
[Examples]
ジュース買ってきてくれたの！？ さすが！
You got me juice!? That’s great!
⇒ It’s not that the speaker was expecting them to buy juice.
The speaker has the impression that the person who bought the juice is kind and considerate, so is impressed by the act of buying the juice.
A「雨が降ってきましたよ。わたし、傘ないんですよね。」
B「傘が二本あるから貸そうか。」
A「さすが先輩ですね！」
A: “It’s starting to rain. I don’t have an umbrella.”
B: “I have two umbrellas. Do you want to borrow one?”
A: “That’s just like you, senpai!”
⇒ In this case, the speaker also has the impression that the senior is a well-organized person, so having two umbrellas is typical of them. This feeling leads the speaker to be impressed once again.
[さすがに]
The first is to indicate that while something is acceptable to a certain extent, it becomes unacceptable if it exceeds that limit. The preceding sentence describes the limit that should not be exceeded, and “さすがに” is used in the following sentence to explain what must be done or what will happen because of that limit.
[Examples]
締め切りは明日ですよ！さすがに今日終わらせてください！
The deadline is tomorrow! Please finish it today!
⇒ The deadline is tomorrow, and it would be bad if it is exceeded, so it has to be done today.
社長 にひどいことを言われて、さすがに辞めたくなりました。
I was insulted by the president, and it made me seriously want to quit.
⇒ What the president said has crossed the line, so I want to quit my job.
The second usage expresses “admitting something while also expressing a contrary feeling.” The sentence acknowledges something in the first part, and “さすが” is used in the latter part to express a feeling that contrasts with the acknowledged fact.
[Examples]
ケーキは好きだけど、さすがに毎日は飽きるよ。
I like cake, but having it every day would be too much.
⇒ Admitting that the speaker likes cake, but also saying that they would get tired of it if they had it every day, which is a contrary feeling.
部長はいつもはいい人ですが、さすがにあの言い方はひどいと思います。
The manager is usually nice, but that comment was really harsh.
⇒ Acknowledging the manager’s good personality, but also saying that his way of speaking is “harsh,” which is a contrary feeling.
The third use is to express a feeling of “admitting something but thinking it’s probably impossible.” The phrase “無理” (impossible) or “できない” (can’t do)is often used in the latter part of the sentence.
It is frequently used in the form “さすがのNも” (even N).
[Examples]
この英語の本は古すぎて、さすがのトムさんでもわからないでしょう。
This English book is so old that even Tom probably can’t understand it.
⇒ Admitting that Tom is an English speaker and proficient in English, but expressing that he can’t understand this book because it’s too old.
お客様の苦情がひどすぎて、さすがの先輩も何もできませんでした。
The customer’s complaint was so bad that even my senior couldn’t do anything.
⇒ Acknowledging that the senior is capable at work, but indicating that the complaints were more severe than expected, rendering him unable to do anything.
Summary
[さすが]
- Used when the speaker has a positive feeling or impression about a person or thing, and something happens that matches that expectation.
[さすがに]
- The meaning of “さすがに” can be broadly divided into three categories:
- ① Even if something is acceptable to a certain extent, it is not good when it exceeds the limit.
- ② Expressing a feeling that contradicts something while acknowledging it.
- ③ Expressing a feeling that something is probably impossible while acknowledging it.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. さすが
パソコンも修理できるなんてさすが先輩ですね！
You can even repair computers! That’s impressive, Senpai!
*Holding a positive impression of the senior and confirming that something appropriate to that impression has occurred, so “さすが” is correct.
A. さすがに
さすがにこれ以上遅れると彼女も怒るでしょう。
If you’re any later, she’ll get angry for sure.
*Indicating that “being any later” is beyond an acceptable limit, so “さすがに” is correct.
A. さすがに
お腹が空いていましたがさすがにこの量は多すぎて食べ切れません。
I was hungry, but this amount is just too much to eat.
*Showing a contrasting feeling where “being hungry” is acknowledged but “unable to finish eating” is the opposite sentiment, so “さすがに” is correct.
A. さすがの
さすがの医者でもこの病気は治せません。
Even the best doctors can’t cure this disease.
*Acknowledging the doctor’s capabilities while expressing that “it can’t be done,” so “さすがの” is correct.
