JLPT N1

～（で）すら

Even ~ (something surprising/unlikely)

Structure

Noun + （で）すら

How it works

This grammar point emphasizes that something surprising, unlikely, or extreme is included, highlighting the extent or unexpectedness of a situation. It implies that if even this seemingly impossible thing is true, then other things are certainly true.

Examples

彼ですら知らない事実だ。

It's a fact that even he doesn't know.

Common mistakes

Overusing it or not understanding the subtle difference from '～でさえ'; '～（で）すら' often carries a stronger sense of surprise or extreme example.

Tip

Think of it as adding extra emphasis to 'even.'

More JLPT N1 grammar

いかんによらずをもってをものともせずともなるとであれたりとも~ないに足る極まりない

See ～（で）すら in real Japanese

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