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さすが
N4 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today
sasuga
as one would expect; as is to be expected
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🃏 Flashcard
さすが
sasuga
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as one would expect; as is to be expected
N4
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N4
Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences
Reading sasuga
Post ID 50757
Patterns today 0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes

as one would expect; as is to be expected

📖 How to use it

さすが expresses that something is as expected, often praising or acknowledging someone or something that lives up to their reputation.

Attaches to Used standalone or as さすがに before a clause, さすがの + noun + も, or さすがは + noun. It can also be used as an interjection.

さすが is a common expression meaning 'as one would expect.' It is used when someone or something meets your expectations, often in a positive way. For example, if a friend who is good at cooking makes a delicious meal, you can say さすが! to mean 'just as I expected from you!'

さすが can be followed by に to form an adverb meaning 'as expected' or 'certainly,' often used when acknowledging a limitation or a fact: さすがに疲れた means 'I'm really tired (as expected).' When used with の + noun + も, like さすがの先生も間違える, it means 'even someone as good as the teacher makes mistakes.'

It is a very common spoken expression and is fine in both casual and polite conversation. In writing, it's also acceptable but more often seen in dialogue or informal contexts.

さすが田中さん、いい企画を出しましたね。
Sasuga Tanaka-san, ii kikaku o dashimashita ne.
As expected of Tanaka, you came up with a good proposal.
さすがに毎日残業はつらい。
Sasuga ni mainichi zangyou wa tsurai.
As expected, working overtime every day is tough.
さすがは日本一の寿司屋だ。
Sasuga wa Nippon ichi no sushi-ya da.
Just as expected from the number one sushi restaurant in Japan.
Not やっぱり やっぱり means 'as I thought' or 'after all,' often used when you confirm a guess. さすが focuses on praise or acknowledgment of someone's expected ability, while やっぱり is more neutral.
Register Spoken and casual to semi-formal; in very formal writing, other expressions like 予想どおり are preferred.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
さすが
📚 How to Master This Pattern
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Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat さすが three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
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Flip Before Reading
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Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using さすが. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
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Spaced Review
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern さすが mean? ▼
As one would expect; as is to be expected
What JLPT level is さすが? ▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N4 — Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use さすが in a sentence? ▼
Attach さすが (sasuga) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is さすが formal or casual Japanese? ▼
さすが is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember さすが long-term? ▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.