すら
Even (Extreme Example)
すら is a particle that marks an extreme example. Its meaning is similar to an emphasized “even“ in English.
It is similar in meaning and usage to さえ, and can even be used in the “Even” and “on top of” meanings.
(See below)
Examples
- 想像すらしたくない – I don’t even want to image it. (Common Example).
- 彼ですらそれが上手にできる，君ならなおさらだ (Weblio) – Even he can do it well, so you should definitely be able to.
- 天才ですら解けない問題だ – Not even a genius can solve this problem.
- 子供にすらできる – Even a child can do it.
- 聖人ですらやることだ – Something even a saint does.
- 台風で大木すら倒された – Even a giant tree was knocked down by the typhoon.
- 寒いだけでも辛いのに、雨すら降ってきた (source) – Even though its tough enough being cold, it even starting raining.
さえ and すら
Although さえ and すら are mostly interchangeable, they are not completely the same:
- すら is an emphasized “Even”
- すら gives an extreme example (and implies that the statement should be true for most things)
- さえ gives a weak example (and implies the statement is true for things greater)
- In the “on top of” meaning, すら implies an extreme situation, while さえ an addition.
- すら cannot be used as a hypothetical (さえ+ば usage)