様

• Reading: さま
• Romaji: sama
• Kanji breakdown: 様 (yō/sama) — manner, form, appearance
• Pronunciation: /sa.ma/

Meaning

Way; manner; kind; state. Describes how something looks or how a situation appears.

When read as さま, this word also functions as a suffix meaning 'way' or 'appearance.' It appears in everyday expressions like ありさま (the state of things) and さまざま (various, diverse). The related form 様子 (yousu) means 'condition' or 'state.' This usage is distinct from the honorific 様.

Examples

1. さまざまな国の料理を食べてみたい。 I want to try food from various different countries.
2. 町の様子がすっかり変わりました。 The town has completely changed.
3. その様は見ていて気の毒だった。 The sight of it was truly pitiful.

Usage Guide

Context: descriptions, observations, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 様 originally meant 'appearance' or 'form' in Chinese, combining 木 (tree), 羊 (sheep), and 水 (water). The meaning extended from physical appearance to manner and style.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal