Nihoner

様子ようす

ようす · yousu (also spelled yosu)

State (of affairs), situation, circumstances

  • appearance, look(s), air, manner, behaviour, demeanor
  • sign, indication

Other ways to say “state” in Japanese →

ようすが
Heiban

flat · what is pitch accent?

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How it’s used

Used when observing or describing how something appears or is going, often in narrative or polite conversation, distinct from 'jōtai' which is more technical and static.

Example sentences

His behavior is a bit strange.

Nihoner

Go check outside and see how things are.

Nihoner

I'll go and check outside to see if the power is back.

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Questions

What does 様子 mean?

State (of affairs), situation, circumstances. It can also mean: appearance, look(s), air, manner, behaviour, demeanor; sign, indication.

How do you pronounce 様子?

ようす (yousu). Pitch accent: heiban — flat. Press Listen above to hear it.

What JLPT level is 様子?

JLPT N2 — upper intermediate. See the JLPT N2 guide.

How do I remember 様子?

Say it out loud with an example sentence, test yourself above, then save it to your deck: Nihoner brings it back just before you would forget it (spaced repetition).

State (of affairs), situa…