Translation and Meaning of: 性 - saga

The Japanese word 性[さが] is a term that arouses curiosity both for its writing and its meaning. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing it and contexts in which it appears, whether in conversations or in media. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding 性[さが] can enrich your vocabulary and your cultural understanding.

Meaning and use of 性[さが]

性[さが] is a word that carries a deep meaning, often related to someone's intrinsic nature or character. In English, it can be translated as "nature" or "natural disposition," reflecting a person's innate tendencies. Unlike other words that describe personality, さが has a more philosophical tone, suggesting something that is rooted in the individual.

In everyday life, Japanese people use this word to refer to personality aspects that are difficult to change. For example, someone might say "彼の性で仕方がない" (kare no saga de shikata ga nai), indicating that certain attitudes are simply part of that person's nature. This usage shows how the term is tied to acceptance and understanding of individual characteristics.

Origin and writing of the kanji 性

The kanji 性 is composed of two elements: the radical 忄(which represents the heart) and the component 生(which means "life" or "birth"). Together, they suggest the idea of an inherent nature, something that is part of the essence of a being from its beginning. This construction reflects well the meaning of さが, which is related to deep and lasting traits.

It's worth noting that 性 can also be read as "sei" in other contexts, such as in 性格 (seikaku, "personality"). However, the reading さが is less common and primarily appears in specific expressions or in older language. This duality of readings is an interesting aspect for those learning Japanese, as it shows how the same kanji can have varied uses.

Tips for memorizing and using 性[さが]

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with situations where personal characteristics are discussed. For example, think of someone who always behaves in a certain way, even when trying to change. This resistance to transformation is precisely what さが represents. Creating sentences like "自分の性と向き合う" (jibun no saga to mukiau, "facing one's own nature") can help internalize the term.

Another interesting fact is that 性[さが] appears in some proverbs and traditional expressions, reinforcing its role in Japanese culture. Although it is not an extremely common word in modern Japanese, its use in specific contexts makes it valuable for those who want to understand nuances of the language. Observing how it appears in dramas, books, or even in deeper conversations can be a great way to learn.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 性格 (Seikaku) - personality
• 性質 (Seishitsu) - Natureza, característica
• 性能 (Seinou) - Desempenho, capacidade
• 性癖 (Seiheki) - Preference, tendency, sexual habit
• 性格特徴 (Seikaku Tokuchou) - Personality traits
• 性向 (Seikou) - Inclinação, tendência
• 性分化 (Seibunkam) - Diferenciação sexual
• 性的 (Seiteki) - Sexual, related to sex
• 性欲 (Seiyoku) - sexual desire
• 性差異 (Seisaai) - Diferenças sexuais
• 性別 (Seibetsu) - Gênero, sexo
• 性格検査 (Seikaku Kensa) - Personality test
• 性格研究 (Seikaku Kenkyuu) - Research on personality
• 性格診断 (Seikaku Shindan) - Personality diagnosis
• 性格改善 (Seikaku Kaizen) - Improvement of personality
• 性格障害 (Seikaku Shougai) - Personality disorder
• 性格形成 (Seikaku Keisei) - Formation of personality
• 性格傾向 (Seikaku Keikou) - Personality trend
• 性格特性 (Seikaku Tokusei) - Personality traits
• 性格分析 (Seikaku Bunseki) - Personality analysis
• 性格評価 (Seikaku Hyouka) - Personality assessment
• 性格測定 (Seikaku Sokutei) - Personality measurement
• 性格形質 (Seikaku Keishitsu) - Personality traits
• 性格変化 (Seikaku Henka) - Personality change
• 性格形成論 (Seikaku Keiseiron) - Theory of personality formation
• 性格発達 (Seikaku Hattatsu) - Development of personality
• 性格構造 (Seikaku Kouzou) - Personality structure
• 性格心理学 (Seikaku Shinrigaku) - Personality psychology
• 性格的特徴 (Seikaku-teki Tokuchou) - Typical personality traits
• 性格的特性 (Seikaku-teki Tokusei) - Typical personality traits

性

Romaji: saga
Kana: さが
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: one's nature; custom; property; feature

Meaning in English: one's nature;custom;property;characteristic

Definition: Male or female characteristics possessed by an organism.

Example Sentences - (性) saga

See below some example sentences:

この木の枝は折れる可能性がある。

Kono ki no eda wa oreru kanōsei ga aru

This branch of the tree has the possibility of breaking.

The branches of this tree can break.

• この - demonstrative that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
• 木 - noun meaning "tree"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "'s" in English
• 枝 - noun meaning "twig" or "branch"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "é" or "são" in English
• 折れる - verb meaning "to break" or "to break"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, equivalent to "o" or "a" in English
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

この機械の性能は非常に高いです。

Kono kikai no seino wa hijō ni takai desu

The performance of this machine is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
• 機械 - noun meaning "machine"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship of belonging
• 性能 - noun meaning "performance" or "performance"
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

このガラスは割れる可能性がある。

Kono garasu wa wareru kanōsei ga aru

This glass window has the possibility of breaking.

This glass can break.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ガラス - noun that means "glass"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this glass"
• 割れる - verb in the potential form that means "can break"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates that "the possibility of breaking" is the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb that means "exists"

この問題は重大な影響を与える可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa juudai na eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga aru

This issue has the potential to have a significant impact.

This issue can have a significant impact.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 重大な - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
• 影響 - noun that means "influence" or "impact"
• を - object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 与える - verb meaning "to give" or "to grant"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

この問題は解決策がダブる可能性がある。

Kono mondai wa kaiketsusaku ga daburu kanōsei ga aru

This problem can be a solution.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 解決策 - compound noun meaning "solution"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ダブる - verb meaning "to duplicate" or "to repeat"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"

この病気は長引く可能性がある。

Kono byouki wa nagabiku kanousei ga aru

This disease can drag on for a long time.

This disease can be prolonged.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 病気 - noun meaning "disease"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 長引く - verb meaning "to linger" or "to drag on"
• 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

ストレスは健康に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Sutoresu wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Stress can have a negative impact on health.

Stress can have a negative effect on your health.

• ストレス - Japanese word meaning "stress"
• は - Particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "stress"
• 健康 - Word in Japanese that means "health"
• に - Particle in Japanese that indicates the relationship between "stress" and "health", in this case, "affects health"
• 悪影響 - Japanese word meaning "negative effect"
• を - particle in Japanese that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "negative effect"
• 与える - Japanese verb that means "to cause"
• 可能性 - Word in Japanese that means "possibility"
• が - particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "possibility"
• あります - Verb in Japanese that means "to exist", in this case, "there is a possibility"
• . - period to indicate the end of the sentence

ハンドバッグは女性の必需品です。

Handobaggu wa josei no hitsuyōhin desu

Handbags are women's necessities.

• ハンドバッグ - Handbag
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Woman
• の - Possessive particle
• 必需品 - Essential need
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

丈夫な男性が好きです。

Joufu na dansei ga suki desu

I like strong men.

I like durable men.

• 丈夫な - adjective meaning "strong, robust"
• 男性 - noun that means "man, masculine"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - adjective that means "to like, to love"
• です - verb indicating the polite or formal form of the present tense

下水は環境に悪い影響を与える可能性があります。

Kasui wa kankyō ni warui eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Sewage can have a bad effect on the environment.

• 下水 (gesui) - wastewater
• 環境 (kankyo) - environment
• 悪い (warui) - bad
• 影響 (eikyo) - influence, effect
• 与える (ataeru) - cause, give
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is