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.
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.
The plan has been one failure after another—it's a complete mess now.
ざまあみろ！
Serves you right!
彼は立ちざまに大声で叫んだ。
He shouted loudly just as he stood up.
He used to act so high and mighty—just look at the state he's in now.
よう is the neutral, everyday word for 'way' or 'manner', while ざま in this suffix sense carries a more literary or archaic feel.
醜態 refers to a disgraceful public display or behavior, while ざま is a blunter, more colloquial word for a pitiful state.
さま is an honorific suffix or polite word for 'appearance', while ざま differs only by voicing yet carries a derogatory, pitying tone.
unsightly; clumsy; awkward; shameful-looking
way of life; attitude to life; how one lives
outsider; person outside the favored group · outside daimyo; non-Tokugawa daimyo
lower classes; common people
sleeping posture
Usually written in kana; the kanji spellings 様 and 態 are rare and may be confused with other readings.
Katakana spelling, often used for emphasis or in casual writing.
Kanji spelling; easily confused with さま (honorific) or よう (appearance).
Kanji spelling; very rare and may be confused with わざ (technique) or たい (condition).
Derived from 様 (さま), with a sound change from sa to za. The derogatory sense developed from the idea of 'appearance' used sarcastically.
manner of death; way of dying