Archaic adverb meaning 'so' or 'in that way'; in modern Japanese, そう or そのように are used instead. Found in classical literature and fixed expressions.
In classical Japanese, 然 was read as さ and used to mean 'in that way'.
(not) so; (not) particularly; (not) very; (not) that much
really; truly; evidently · in that way; like that
however; even so; be that as it may
otherwise; or else; if not
(not) any particular; (no) special; (not) noticeable
to that extent; so much
and yet; but; nevertheless
like that; in that manner
farewell; goodbye · if so; in that case; then
such and such; so-and-so
so much; to that extent
(not) particularly; (not) especially; (not) very; (not) much
particular; notable; significant
(not) much; (not) very · like this; as a rule
therefore; thus; so · well, then ... · that's right; indeed; absolutely · ... on earth?
so; therefore; for that reason · if so; if that is the case; in that case
to that degree; that much · a lot; very much
Archaic kanji form; modern Japanese uses そう or そのように instead.
Kana spelling of the archaic adverb; learners may encounter it in classical texts.
The historical derivation is uncertain; 然 is a kanji conventionally associated with the meaning 'so' or 'thus' in classical Chinese and Japanese.