Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

さばかり Japanese meaning | Kotomora

さばかり

Meanings

1

adverb

to that degree; that much

usually written using kana alone

Indicates extent or degree, often used in literary or formal contexts. Similar to それほど, but more emphatic or old-fashioned.

さばかりのことで怒おこるとは思おもわなかった。
I didn't think you would get angry over something of that degree.

2

adverb

a lot; very much

usually written using kana alone

Emphasizes a large quantity or intensity, often with a nuance of surprise or admiration. Can be replaced by それほど or あれほど in modern speech.

さばかり努ど力りょくしたのに、結けっ果かが出でなかった。
I tried so hard, but got no results.

Written forms

Applies to each form listed below

rarely-used kanji form

然さばかり
Rare kanji form; learners should use the kana spelling.
然許さばかり
Rare kanji form; learners should use the kana spelling.

Kanji

然sort of thing, so, if so
許permit, approve

Similar words

それほど
それほど is the standard modern equivalent for 'to that degree', while さばかり is more literary and emphatic.
あれほど
あれほど refers to a degree already known to both speaker and listener, often with a nuance of 'that much (as we both know)'. さばかり is less common and more formal.

Etymology

Derived from the classical Japanese adverb さ (so, that) combined with ばかり (approximately, about). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it has been used since the Heian period.