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JLPT N4 · Sentence patterns

さすが (sasuga)

さすが — “as expected of ~”

In short · An expression of admiration when someone or something lives up to its reputation or your expectations. It appears as さすが + noun, or さすがだ, and is used to praise.
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Pattern

  • さすが+名詞(、〜) さすが + noun (さすがプロ、上手ですね)
  • さすが(だ/ですね) さすがだね / さすがですね

Meaning

You already believed the person or place was great, and the result confirms it. It is admiration that matches your expectation, not surprise at something unexpected.

Who to say it to

It is natural with friends, peers and juniors. Saying さすがですね to a superior can sound as if you are judging them from above.

Examples

  • さすがプロ、料理(りょうり)がとても上手(じょうず)ですね。

    Sasuga puro, ryōri ga totemo jōzu desu ne.

    As expected of a pro, you're very good at cooking.

  • さすが先輩(せんぱい)、説明(せつめい)がとても分(わ)かりやすい。

    Sasuga senpai, setsumei ga totemo wakari yasui.

    As expected of a senior, the explanation is very easy to understand.

  • 難(むずか)しい問題(もんだい)をすぐ解(と)いた。さすがだね。

    Muzukashii mondai o sugu toita. Sasuga da ne.

    You solved the hard problem right away. That's just what I'd expect from you.

Common mistakes

  • Said directly to a superior, it can sound rude.
  • Use it when the result matches expectations; for a surprise, use すごい or 意外.

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