Japanese word

凄まじい

Pronunciation

Romajisusamajii

Meaning

  • i-adjectivetremendous

Example

波の力は凄まじいです。nami no chikara wa susa ma ji i de su

The wave's power is tremendous.

Illustration for 凄まじい (tremendous)

More examples

会場には凄まじい歓声が響いていました。kai jō ni wa susa ma ji i kan sei ga hibi i te i ma shi ta

Tremendous cheers echoed through the venue.

Core concept

Describes an extreme force or degree that overwhelms the senses and can inspire awe or fear.

Common phrases

  • 凄まじい勢いsusa ma ji i ikio i

    tremendous momentum

  • 凄まじい音susa ma ji i oto

    a tremendous noise

Similar words

ものすごいmonosugoi: Describes a very high degree or powerful force that strongly affects the senses.
すごいsugoi: Describes an unusual degree of size, strength, ability, or impact.
激しいhageshii: Describes a force or change that acts with great strength or intensity.
恐ろしいosoroshii: Describes an extreme condition that feels frightening or alarming.

Definition in Japanese

程度や勢いが極端に大きく、驚きや恐ろしさを感じさせるさま。tei do ya ikio i ga kyoku tan ni ō ki ku odoro ki ya oso ro shi sa o kan ji sa se ru sa ma

Word origin

凄まじい (susamajii) is a native adjective that developed from the older form すさまじ (susamaji); the character 凄 (sei, "chilling") suggests a startling or frightening quality.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 凄まじい (susamajii) can describe either an impressive extreme or a frightening one, so context determines whether "tremendous" or "terrible" fits.

Other meanings

  • terriblei-adjective
  • fiercei-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 凄まじさsusamajisaintensitynoun

Word lists with this word