Ｓ
Meanings
letter S; letter s
The letter itself, as in the alphabet.
The letter S in the alphabet is read as 'esu'.
Abbreviation for south, used in maps, directions, or compass points.
The S on the map indicates south.
Shōwa year
Prefix indicating a year in the Shōwa era (1926–1989); e.g., Ｓ60 means Shōwa 60 (1985).
See also: 昭和
S60 corresponds to 1985.
Abbreviation for 'small', used in clothing sizes (S size) and similar contexts.
Please give me this T-shirt in size S.
Abbreviation for 'second' (unit of time).
The time was under 30 seconds.
Abbreviation for 'subject' in grammatical notation; often seen as S in SOV (subject-object-verb).
See also: 主語
The basic word order of Japanese is SOV.
Abbreviation for 'sadist' or 'sadistic', often used in contrast with M (masochist).
See also: Ｍ
He has a bit of a sadistic side.
Slang term for the female partner in a lesbian relationship, from 'sister'.
She is my sister (female partner).
S rank; top grade
Highest rank on a scale (S, A, B, C...), above A; common in games and evaluations. Possibly from スーパー or スペシャル.
This character is S rank.
Usage patterns
- Ｓサイズsize S (small)
This sweater only comes in size S.
- 〈人〉はＳsomeone is 'an S' (has a sadistic streak)
He's an 'S,' so he says mean things on purpose.
- ＳランクS rank (the top grade)
It's hard to get an S rank on this test.
- Ｓ〈数〉Shōwa year ... (S followed by the year number)
My father was born in Shōwa 40 (1965).