さらさら

さ

ら

さ

ら

Meanings

adverb

(not) at all; (not) in the least; (none) whatsoever

usually written using kana alone

Used with a negative verb to emphasize complete absence or denial. Stronger than 全然.

そんなことはさらさら思おもっていません。
I don't think that at all.
彼かれに会あう気きはさらさらない。
I have absolutely no intention of meeting him.

Kanji

更grow late, night watch, sit up late

Related words

全ぜん然ぜん
全然 is a common negative adverb meaning 'not at all', but さらさら is more emphatic and often used with verbs of intention or thought.
少すこしも
少しも means 'not even a little', similar in strength to さらさら, but さらさら can sound more literary or emphatic.

Written forms

さらさらUsage62%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 更々 and 更更 are rare and may be confused with other readings.
更さら々さらUsage38%
Rare kanji spelling; easily confused with 更に (さらに).
更さら更さら
Rare kanji spelling; easily confused with 更に (さらに).

Etymology

Reduplication of 更 (さら), an old word meaning 'again' or 'more', with the reduplication intensifying the negative sense to 'not even a bit more'. The exact historical development is uncertain.