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

Related words

異性

isei

the opposite sex

理性

risei

reason; sense

適性

tekisei

fitness

中性

chuusei

neutral gender; neutral (chemistry); indifference; sterility

知性

chisei

intelligence

男性

dansei

male; man

性能

seinou

ability; efficiency

性別

seibetsu

distinction by sex; sex; gender

性質

seishitsu

nature; property; disposition

性格

seikaku

character; personality

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.

Quick Access
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- Writing
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How to Write in Japanese - (性) saga

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (性) saga:

Example Sentences - (性) saga

See below some example sentences:

髭が似合う男性は格好いい。

Hige ga niau dansei wa kakkou ii

Men who look good with a beard are attractive.

A man with a beard is cool.

  • 髭 - Means "beard" in Japanese.
  • が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
  • 似合う - verb meaning "look good" or "match".
  • 男性 - noun meaning "man".
  • は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 格好いい - adjective meaning "cool" or "attractive."
過労は健康に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Karō wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Overworking can have a negative impact on health.

  • 過労 - excessive fatigue
  • は - Topic particle
  • 健康 - health
  • に - target particle
  • 悪影響 - negative effect
  • を - object particle
  • 与える - cause
  • 可能性 - possibility
  • が - subject particle
  • ある - exist
適性を活かすことが大切です。

Tekisei wo ikasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It's important to take advantage of your natural abilities.

It's important to take advantage of your aptitude.

  • 適性 - ability or aptitude
  • を - direct object particle
  • 活かす - take advantage of or use
  • こと - abstract noun indicating action or event
  • が - subject particle
  • 大切 - important or valuable
  • です - verb ser or estar in the polite form
髪が長い女性は美しいです。

Kami ga nagai josei wa utsukushii desu

Women with long hair are beautiful.

Women with long hair are beautiful.

  • 髪が長い - long hair
  • 女性 - woman
  • 美しい - beautiful
  • です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)
酸性の飲み物は歯に悪いです。

Sansei no nomimono wa ha ni warui desu

Acidic drinks are bad for the teeth.

Acidic drinks are bad for your teeth.

  • 酸性の - acid
  • 飲み物 - Drink
  • は - Topic particle
  • 歯 - Teeth
  • に - particle indicating target
  • 悪い - bad
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
細菌は病気を引き起こす可能性があります。

Saikin wa byouki wo hikiokosu kanousei ga arimasu

Bacteria can cause disease.

Bacteria can cause disease.

  • 細菌 (saikin) - bacteria
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 病気 (byouki) - disease
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 引き起こす (hikiokosu) - cause, provoke
  • 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
  • が (ga) - subject particle
  • あります (arimasu) - exist, have
知性を持った人は魅力的です。

Chisei wo motta hito wa miryokuteki desu

People who are intelligent are attractive.

People with intelligence are attractive.

  • 知性を持った人 - a person who possesses intelligence and knowledge
  • は - Topic marking particle
  • 魅力的です - is charming, attractive
独特な感性を持っている。

Dokutoku na kansei wo motte iru

I have a unique sensitivity.

It has a unique sensitivity.

  • 独特な - "dokutoku na" means "unique" or "distinct".
  • 感性 - "kansei" means "sensibility" or "perception".
  • を - direct object particle.
  • 持っている - "motteiru" means "to have" or "to possess".
気品あふれる女性は魅力的です。

Kihin afureru josei wa miryokuteki desu

A woman full of elegance is attractive.

The elegant woman is attractive.

  • 気品 (kibun) - refinement, elegance
  • あふれる (afureru) - overflow, be full of
  • 女性 (josei) - woman
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 魅力的 (miryokuteki) - attractive, charming
  • です (desu) - polite way of being
欠乏は健康に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Kekkou wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga arimasu

Lack can have a negative effect on health.

Laws can have a negative effect on your health.

  • 欠乏 (Kekkaku) - lack, scarcity
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 健康 (kenkou) - health
  • に (ni) - target particle
  • 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect, negative impact
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 与える (ataeru) - Dar, fornecer
  • 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
  • が (ga) - subject particle
  • あります (arimasu) - exist, have

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

性