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:

中性な性格を持っています。

Chuusei na seikaku wo motteimasu

I have a neutral personality.

• 中性 - means "neutral" or "impartial".
• な - a particle that indicates adjectives.
• 性格 - means "personality" or "character."
• を - a particle that indicates the object of the sentence.
• 持っています - means "to have" or "to possess".

個性を大切にしましょう。

Kosei wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value the personality.

• 個性 - means "individuality" or "personality".
• を - direct object particle.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• に - particle indicating destination or goal.
• しましょう - polite form of the verb "to do" in the imperative, indicating a suggestion or request to do something.

出産は女性にとってとても重要な出来事です。

Shussan wa josei ni totte totemo juuyou na dekigoto desu

Childbirth is a very important event for women.

Birth is a very important event for women.

• 出産 - Birth
• 女性 - woman
• にとって - for
• とても - very
• 重要 - important
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 出来事 - event, happening
• です - verb to be"

化繊は環境に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Kasen wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Synthetic fibers may have an adverse effect on the environment.

• 化繊 - abbreviation of "chemical fiber", refers to synthetic fabrics produced from chemical products.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "化繊".
• 環境 - environment, environment.
• に - location particle, indicates that the negative impact is "in" the environment.
• 悪影響 - negative effect, harmful impact.
• を - direct object particle, indicates that the object of the action is "可能性 of having a negative impact on the environment".
• 与える - to cause, to have an effect on.
• 可能性 - possibility, probability.
• が - subject particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "可能性がある".
• ある - to exist, to have.

増大する可能性があります。

Zoudai suru kanousei ga arimasu

There is a possibility of increase.

It can increase.

• 増大する - increase
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

大柄な男性が道を歩いている。

Otokonoko ga michi wo aruite iru

A big man is walking down the street.

A big man is walking on the road.

• 大柄な - large
• 男性 - man
• が - subject particle
• 道 - path/street
• を - direct object particle
• 歩いている - walking (continuous form of the verb 歩く)

女性は社会において重要な役割を果たしています。

Josei wa shakai ni oite juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Women play an important role in society.

• 女性 - Women
• は - Topic particle
• 社会 - Society
• において - na
• 重要な - Important
• 役割 - Paper
• を果たしています - perform

宇宙は無限の可能性を秘めている。

Uchuu wa mugen no kanousei wo himete iru

The universe has endless possibilities.

• 宇宙 - Universe
• は - Topic particle
• 無限 - infinite
• の - Possessive particle
• 可能性 - possibility
• を - Direct object particle
• 秘めている - Hide, contain

彼女は活発な性格です。

Kanojo wa kappatsu na seikaku desu

She has an active personality.

She has a lively personality.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 活発な (kappatsu na) - Ativo, enérgico
• 性格 (seikaku) - personality
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

忘れることは人間の本性です。

Wasureru koto wa ningen no honshou desu

Forgetting is human nature.

• 忘れること - forget
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possession particle
• 本性 - essential nature
• です - verb to be in the polite form