When you use さすが, it's like saying, "That's just what I'd expect from you!" or "Wow, you're really good!"
You say it when someone does something impressive that you already expected them to be capable of. It shows admiration for their skills.
For example, if your friend is a great cook and makes a delicious meal, you could say "さすが!" to acknowledge their talent.
When you hear 「さすが」, it often means "as expected" or "indeed." It's used when someone does something impressive, and you're not entirely surprised because you know they're capable. It expresses a sense of admiration, like saying, "Of course, you'd be able to do that!"
You might use it when someone achieves something great, and you had a feeling they would. It acknowledges their skill or talent in a positive way. So, 「さすが」 is a way to praise someone for living up to their reputation or your expectations.
When you hear 「さすが」, it often means "as expected" or "indeed." It's used when someone does something impressive, and you're not entirely surprised because you know they're capable. It shows admiration for their abilities, like saying, "Of course, you'd be able to do that!"
For example, if a skilled chef cooks an amazing meal, you might say, 「さすがプロ！」 (Sasuga puro! - "As expected of a pro!"). It implies that their excellent cooking is consistent with their professional status. This word captures a feeling of acknowledging someone's talent and recognizing that they live up to their reputation.
When using さすが, you're often acknowledging that someone lives up to their reputation or does something impressive that you anticipated from them. It's a way to express admiration or recognition of their skills. It can be used when someone performs exceptionally well in a task you expected them to excel at, or when they demonstrate a characteristic that is typical of them. Think of it as saying, "Of course, it's just like them to do that," but with a positive, appreciative nuance. It highlights that the outcome is consistent with their known abilities or character.
§ Mistakes people make with this word
Even if you understand the basic meaning of さすが, using it correctly in conversation can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls English speakers encounter.
§ Mistake 1: Using さすが for negative outcomes
One of the biggest mistakes is using さすが when something negative happens, even if it's 'as expected.' Remember, さすが almost always carries a positive connotation, expressing admiration or a positive sense of 'as expected.'
- Wrong Example
- You might be tempted to say: 彼はいつも遅刻するから、さすが今日も遅刻したね。 (Kare wa itsumo chikoku suru kara, sasuga kyō mo chikoku shita ne.)
Hint: He's always late, so, *as expected*, he was late today too.
While 'as expected' fits the literal translation, the situation is negative (being late). In this case, you should use something more neutral like やっぱり (yappari) or 案の定 (an no jō).
- Correct Example
- 彼はいつも遅刻するから、やっぱり今日も遅刻したね。 (Kare wa itsumo chikoku suru kara, yappari kyō mo chikoku shita ne.)
Hint: He's always late, so, *as expected*, he was late today too.
§ Mistake 2: Overusing さすが with casual friends
While さすが can be used in many contexts, constantly saying it to close friends might sound a bit formal or even sarcastic if not used carefully. It implies a certain level of respect for their ability. With very close friends, you might use more casual expressions of admiration or just a simple 'すごい!' (sugoi! - amazing!).
友達A: テスト満点だった！ (Tesuto manten datta! – I got a perfect score on the test!)
友達B: さすがだね！ (Sasuga da ne! – As expected of you! / That's amazing!)
This usage is fine, but consider the frequency. If your friend gets a perfect score every time, it might lose its impact or sound like you're stating the obvious. Sometimes, a simpler, more enthusiastic, and less formal reaction is better.
友達A: テスト満点だった！ (Tesuto manten datta! – I got a perfect score on the test!)
友達B: すごーい！マジ！？ (Sugōi! Maji!? – A-maz-ing! Really!?)
§ Mistake 3: Not understanding the implied 'of course' or 'as expected'
Sometimes, さすが implies an 'of course' because of someone's known skill or character. If you don't grasp this nuance, your usage might seem out of place.
田中さんは絵が上手だから、さすがだね。 (Tanaka-san wa e ga umai kara, sasuga da ne.)
Hint: Mr. Tanaka is good at drawing, so *as expected* (of him, he's great).
Here, the さすが refers to his inherent skill. If you said this to someone who just started drawing, it would be odd. The 'as expected' comes from a prior understanding of his ability. Make sure there's a reason or a recognized trait that makes the 'as expected' part of さすが make sense.
§ Mistake 4: Confusing さすが with やはり / やっぱり
While both さすが and やはり/やっぱり can mean 'as expected,' their nuances are different. We touched on this earlier regarding negative outcomes, but it's worth re-emphasizing.
- さすが: Expresses admiration or positive affirmation of an expected outcome based on someone's abilities or reputation.
- やはり / やっぱり: Expresses an outcome that confirms a prior thought, feeling, or prediction. It's more neutral and can be used for both positive and negative situations.
- Example with やはり / やっぱり
- やっぱり彼は犯人だった。 (Yappari kare wa hannin datta.)
Hint: *As I thought*, he was the culprit.
Here, you wouldn't use さすが because being a culprit isn't something to admire. The 'as expected' here is about your prediction being correct, not about his skill as a culprit.
Exemples par niveau
日本語がお上手ですね。さすがです。
Your Japanese is good. As expected of you / Impressive.
彼はいつも一番です。さすがですね。
He's always first. As expected of him / Impressive.
たくさん勉強しましたね。さすが、よくできました。
You studied a lot. As expected, you did well.
このレストランは美味しいと聞いていましたが、さすがです。
I heard this restaurant was delicious, and it is indeed.
彼女はプロの歌手です。さすが、歌が上手ですね。
She's a professional singer. As expected, she sings well.
難しい問題でしたが、さすが、彼が解決しました。
It was a difficult problem, but as expected, he solved it.
部長のプレゼンテーションはわかりやすいです。さすがですね。
The manager's presentation is easy to understand. As expected of him.
さすが日本のアニメ、本当に面白いです。
As expected of Japanese anime, it's really interesting.
A: 日本語を勉強しているんですか。B: はい、そうです。A: さすがですね。
A: Are you studying Japanese? B: Yes, that's right. A: As expected/That's impressive.
彼は有名なピアニストです。さすが、素晴らしい演奏でした。
He is a famous pianist. As expected, it was a wonderful performance.
このレストランの料理は美味しいですね。さすが有名店です。
The food at this restaurant is delicious, isn't it? As expected, it's a famous restaurant.
A: 彼は一人でこの仕事を終わらせたよ。B: さすが彼ですね。
A: He finished this work by himself. B: That's just like him/That's impressive of him.
彼女はいつも冷静だ。さすがプロだ。
She is always calm. As expected of a professional.
さすがに、今日は疲れました。
As expected, I am tired today.
In this context, 'sasuga ni' emphasizes the expected result of being tired due to some reason.
さすがに、この問題は難しいですね。
As expected, this problem is difficult, isn't it?
Similar to the previous example, 'sasuga ni' highlights the expected difficulty.
あの人は、いつも完璧な答えを出す。さすがだ。
That person always gives perfect answers. That's impressive.
厳しい練習の成果か、彼はさすがに優勝候補だ。
Perhaps it's the result of his tough training, but he truly is a strong contender for the championship.
「さすがに〜だ」is a common pattern to express that something is indeed true, often with an underlying reason or observation.
あれだけの経験があるから、さすがに彼はこの問題の解決策を知っているだろう。
Given that much experience, it's no surprise he would know the solution to this problem.
「さすがに」can imply that something is a natural or expected outcome given the circumstances.
連日の残業で疲れているはずなのに、彼女はさすがに弱音を吐かない。
Even though she must be tired from working overtime every day, she still doesn't complain.
Here, 「さすがに」highlights an admirable quality despite difficult circumstances.
どんなに複雑なコードでも、彼の手にかかればさすがにすぐに修正される。
No matter how complex the code, when it's in his hands, it's fixed immediately, as expected.
This usage emphasizes the high level of skill or ability.
あれだけの大失敗の後では、さすがに彼の社長としての資質が問われるだろう。
After such a huge failure, his qualifications as a company president will surely be questioned.
「さすがに〜だろう」can also express a strong, expected conclusion or outcome.
長年の努力が実を結び、彼女はさすがにその分野の第一人者となった。
Her years of effort bore fruit, and she indeed became a leading expert in that field.
This use of 「さすがに」confirms an expected and well-deserved achievement.
初めての海外生活で不安もあったが、さすがに彼はすぐに環境に馴染んだ。
There was some anxiety about living abroad for the first time, but as expected, he quickly adapted to the environment.
Here, 「さすがに」shows that someone met expectations even in a challenging situation.
多くの困難を乗り越えてきた彼だからこそ、さすがにこの程度の問題では動じない。
Precisely because he has overcome many difficulties, as expected, he won't be flustered by a problem of this magnitude.
「さすがに」is used here to highlight resilience based on past experiences.
Teste-toi 60 questions
Someone did something well. What does 'sasuga desu ne' mean?
A professional did something impressive. What does 'sasuga puro da' imply?
You are praising Tanaka-san. What does 'sasuga Tanaka-san' express?
Read this aloud:
さすがですね。
Focus: sa-su-ga de-su ne
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
さすがプロだ。
Focus: sa-su-ga pu-ro da
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
さすが田中さん！
Focus: sa-su-ga Ta-na-ka-san
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
彼女は歌がとても上手で、コンサートは____でした。
「さすが」は、期待通りに素晴らしい、という賞賛の気持ちを表します。コンサートが期待通りに素晴らしかった、という文脈に合います。
いつも一生懸命勉強しているから、試験に合格したのも____だね。
努力に見合った結果が出たことに対して、「さすが」という表現で賞賛と納得を表します。
「あの料理、プロのシェフが作ったの？」「ええ、____プロの味だね。」
プロのシェフが作った料理だから、期待通りに美味しい、という状況に「さすが」が適切です。
彼はいつも冷静で、どんな時でも慌てない。____だね。
冷静であるという期待通りの能力に対して、「さすが」を使って感心していることを表現します。
この難しいパズルを解いたのは、____彼しかいないだろう。
難しいパズルを解けるのは、特定の能力を持つ彼であると期待していることを「さすが」で示します。
「雨の中、傘を持っていたの？」「うん、____だね、いつも準備がいいから。」
いつも準備が良いという性格から、雨の中傘を持っていることも期待通りだと「さすが」を使って表現します。
Choose the best English translation for 「さすが」 in the following sentence: 「山田さんはいつも仕事が速いですね。さすがです。」
「さすが」 in this context expresses admiration for Mr. Yamada's consistent speed.
Which sentence uses 「さすが」 to show admiration for someone's skill?
「さすがに上手ですね」 implies that their Japanese is skillfully good, as one would expect or admire.
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate word: 「彼女は料理が上手です。___ プロのシェフみたいです。」
「さすがに」 fits here to express admiration for her cooking, almost like a professional chef.
「さすが」 can be used to express admiration for someone's abilities.
Yes, 'さすが' is commonly used to acknowledge and admire someone's skills or performance.
If someone says 「さすがですね」, they are probably criticizing you.
No, 「さすがですね」 is typically a compliment, expressing admiration or approval.
The phrase 「さすが」 always means 'unfortunately'.
No, 'さすが' generally means 'as expected' or 'indeed', often with a positive connotation of admiration.
Listen to the sentence. Someone is praising Tanaka's Japanese skills.
Listen to the sentence. Someone is commenting on the taste of food, implying a professional made it.
Listen to the sentence. Someone is talking about a person's soccer skills and expressing admiration.
Read this aloud:
さすがですね。
Focus: sa-su-ga de-su ne
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
さすが日本の技術だ。
Focus: sa-su-ga ni-hon no gi-jutsu da
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
君はさすがだね。
Focus: ki-mi wa sa-su-ga da ne
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
田中さんは日本語がとても上手ですね。___。
The sentence expresses admiration for Tanaka-san's Japanese skills, so 'さすが' (as expected, indeed; expressing admiration) is the most suitable adverb.
この絵は有名ですね。___プロの作品だ。
The sentence suggests admiration for the quality of the painting, implying it's 'as expected' a professional's work. 'さすが' fits this context perfectly.
難しい問題だったのに、彼は___簡単に解いた。
This sentence describes someone easily solving a difficult problem, which elicits admiration. 'さすが' expresses this admiration for their ability.
彼女はいつも冷静で、___リーダーだ。
Being always calm is a commendable quality for a leader, and 'さすが' conveys the admiration and expectation of such a person being a leader.
一流レストランの料理は___美味しいですね。
The deliciousness of food from a first-class restaurant is often 'as expected,' leading to admiration. 'さすが' is appropriate here.
彼はスポーツ万能だ。今日の試合も___活躍した。
Describing someone as good at all sports, and then saying they performed well 'as expected' in a game, uses 'さすが' to express admiration for their consistent ability.
Choose the best English translation for: 「彼は日本語が上手だね。さすがだ。」
「さすが」 in this context expresses admiration, meaning his Japanese skill is impressive but not unexpected, reflecting his effort or talent.
Which situation best uses 「さすが」?
「さすが」 is used when someone lives up to expectations, especially regarding a skill or characteristic they are known for. Passing an exam after studying hard is 'as expected' and admirable.
What is the nuance of 「さすが」 in 「さすがプロの料理人ですね！」?
Here, 「さすが」 implies that the professional chef's skill is at a high level, as one would expect from a professional, and is admirable.
You can use 「さすが」 when someone does something unexpectedly bad.
「さすが」 is used to express admiration or that something is 'as expected' in a positive or neutral way, not for negative surprises.
「さすが」 can be used to acknowledge someone's expected ability or characteristic with admiration.
This is the primary use of 「さすが」 – acknowledging an expected positive trait or skill with a sense of admiration.
If your friend, known for being clumsy, drops their cup, saying 「さすが！」 would be appropriate.
While it might be 'as expected' for a clumsy person to drop something, 「さすが」 typically carries a nuance of admiration or positive acknowledgment. It would sound sarcastic in this context.
Listen for B's response acknowledging the team's contribution and C's admiring remark.
Listen for the speaker's admiration for someone's problem-solving skills.
Listen for the speaker's appreciation for their mother's cooking.
Read this aloud:
A: このプレゼンテーション、本当に素晴らしいですね。 B: さすが田中さんだ。
Focus: sa-su-ga
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼はいつも期待以上の結果を出す。さすがだ。
Focus: sa-su-ga da
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
A: 彼は一人でその問題を解決したらしいよ。 B: さすが彼だね。
Focus: sa-su-ga ka-re da ne
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
彼女のプレゼンテーションは本当に素晴らしかった。___、彼女はいつも完璧な準備をする。
「さすが」は、期待通りに、あるいは予想以上に素晴らしい結果が出たときに使われます。ここでは、彼女が完璧な準備をするという期待通りの結果を指しています。
彼は難しい問題をあっという間に解決した。___、彼がチームリーダーに選ばれたのも納得だ。
「さすが」は、ある人の能力や行動が期待通り、またはそれ以上に優れていることを表現する際に用いられます。ここでは、彼の問題解決能力が期待通りに高かったことを示しています。
どんな質問にも即座に答える彼の知識には感心する。___、東大出身だけのことはある。
「さすが」は、特定の背景や能力から期待されるような優れた結果に対して使われます。東大出身であるという背景から、その知識量が期待通りに素晴らしいことを表現しています。
厳しいトレーニングを乗り越えた彼は、___、マラソンを完走した。
「さすが」は、努力や準備が実を結び、期待通りの素晴らしい結果が出たときに使われます。厳しいトレーニングがあったからこそ、完走できたという期待を強調しています。
あのシェフが作った料理は、___、どれも絶品だ。
「さすが」は、高い評価を受けている人物や物事に対して、その評価にふさわしい結果が出たときに使われます。名シェフの料理が期待通りに美味しいことを表現しています。
彼女はいつも冷静で、どんな時でも落ち着いている。___、彼女は危機管理のプロだ。
「さすが」は、ある人の専門性や経験から期待されるような、優れた行動や態度に対して使われます。危機管理のプロとしての彼女の行動が期待通りであることを示しています。
You just watched a chef prepare an amazing dish with incredible speed and skill. Write a short message (2-3 sentences) to a friend describing your admiration for the chef, using さすが.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
さっきテレビでシェフの料理を見たんだけど、さすがプロだね！あんなに早く、しかも美しく作れるなんて本当にすごいよ。
Your friend, who usually struggles with exams, just aced a difficult Japanese test. Write a text message (2-3 sentences) to congratulate them and express your admiration, using さすが.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
試験、合格おめでとう！いつも大変だって言ってたのに、さすがだね。努力が実を結んだんだね。
Imagine you're at a concert, and your favorite musician plays a particularly challenging piece flawlessly. Write a social media post (2-3 sentences) expressing your admiration, using さすが.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日のライブ、最高だった！あの難しい曲を完璧に弾きこなすなんて、さすがだね。感動して鳥肌が立ったよ。
Why is person A admiring person B?
Read this passage:
A: 山田さん、この企画書、もう完成したんですか？締切までまだ時間があると思っていましたよ。 B: ええ、昨日のうちに仕上げておきました。早めに終わらせて、見直す時間を確保したかったんです。 A: なるほど。さすが山田さんですね。いつも仕事が早くて正確で感心します。
Why is person A admiring person B?
A uses さすが to express admiration for B's efficiency and accuracy in completing the proposal ahead of schedule.
A uses さすが to express admiration for B's efficiency and accuracy in completing the proposal ahead of schedule.
What does the manager admire about Sato?
Read this passage:
部長：このプレゼン資料、本当に素晴らしいな。よくここまで作り込んだね。 佐藤：ありがとうございます。部下の皆さんの協力のおかげです。 部長：いやいや、君のリーダーシップがあったからこそだよ。さすが佐藤君だ。君がいなかったら、こんなに良いものはできなかっただろうね。
What does the manager admire about Sato?
The manager states that the good presentation was possible due to Sato's leadership, using さすが to express admiration for his leadership skills.
The manager states that the good presentation was possible due to Sato's leadership, using さすが to express admiration for his leadership skills.
What specifically impressed the narrator about their friend?
Read this passage:
先日、友達と初めてのボルダリングに行ったんです。私はすぐに腕がパンパンになってしまって、全然登れなかったんですけど、その友達は初めてとは思えないくらいスイスイと登っていくんです。見ていて「さすがだなあ」と感心してしまいました。運動神経が良いだけじゃなく、集中力もすごいんです。
What specifically impressed the narrator about their friend?
The narrator states that despite it being the friend's first time, they climbed smoothly, expressing admiration with さすが.
The narrator states that despite it being the friend's first time, they climbed smoothly, expressing admiration with さすが.
This sentence expresses admiration for someone completing a task quickly, using さすが to highlight the expectation of their ability. (Kare ga sonnani hayaku owaraseru to wa, sasuga da.)
Here, さすが is used to acknowledge Tanaka-sensei's expected skill in solving a difficult problem quickly. (Muzukashii mondai demo, sasuga Tanaka-sensei wa sugu ni kaiketsu shita.)
This sentence uses さすが to express admiration for a professional's skill, even on their first attempt, implying their expertise was expected. (Hajimete na noni, sasuga puro wa chigau ne.)
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur emotions
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
