ざま
Meanings
mess; sorry state; pitiful sight
Derogatory term for a disgraceful or pitiful condition. Often used in phrases like ざまを見ろ (look at that mess) or ざまあみろ (serves you right).
Look at that sorry state.
Serves you right!
-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.
Proceed eastwards.
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).
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)
His manner of speaking is polite.
Usage patterns
- このざまだto be in this pitiful state; look at this mess
The plan has been one failure after another—it's a complete mess now.
- 〈動詞〉ざまにjust as one does ...; in the very act of ...
He shouted loudly just as he stood up.
- 〈人〉のざまを見ろlook at the sorry state someone's in (mocking)
He used to act so high and mighty—just look at the state he's in now.