suffix
-ways; -wards
Suffix indicating direction. Attaches to nouns, often in set phrases like 東ざま (eastwards) or 後ろざま (backwards). Archaic or literary feel.
東ざまに進む。
Proceed eastwards.
suffix
in the act of ...; just as one is ...
Suffix attached to the -masu stem of a verb to indicate being in the middle of an action or state. Often used in set expressions like 立ちざま (while standing) or 寝ざま (while sleeping).
彼は立ちざまに答えた。
He answered while standing up.
suffix
manner of ...; way of ...
Suffix attached to the -masu stem of a verb to indicate the manner or way of doing something. Similar to ～方 (かた), but more literary. Compare with 様 (さま) sense 3.
See also: 様 (さま)
彼の話しざまは丁寧だ。
His manner of speaking is polite.
Derived from 様 (さま), with a sound change from sa to za. The derogatory sense developed from the idea of 'appearance' used sarcastically.