様子

• Reading: ようす
• Romaji: yousu
• Kanji breakdown: 様 (you) — manner, appearance; 子 (su) — suffix
• Pronunciation: /joː.sɯ/

Meaning

State; condition; appearance; situation. How something or someone looks or seems.

An extremely versatile noun describing the observable state, condition, or behavior of a person or situation. Used for physical appearance, emotional states, and circumstances. Key expressions: 様子を見る (to observe/wait and see), 様子がおかしい (something seems off), 元気な様子 (appearing well). One of the most useful N3 nouns for description.

Examples

1. 子供の様子がいつもと違うので心配だ。 My child seems different from usual, so I'm worried.
2. もう少し様子を見てから決めよう。 Let's wait and see a little longer before deciding.
3. 駅前は朝から混雑している様子だった。 The area in front of the station appeared to be crowded since the morning.

Usage Guide

Context: observation, description, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 様 (you, manner/appearance) and 子 (su, a suffix sometimes used in abstract nouns). Literally 'the manner/form of something,' originally from Sino-Japanese literary usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal