Japanese word

散々

Pronunciation

Romajisanzan

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveterrible

Example

昨日の試合は散々でした。kinō no shi ai wa san zan de shi ta

Yesterday's game was terrible.

Illustration for 散々 (terrible)

More examples

私は旅行先で散々な目に遭いました。watashi wa ryo kō saki de san zan na me ni a i ma shi ta

I had a terrible experience on my trip.

Core concept

Shows that something has reached an extreme condition, often with a very bad result or an intense action.

Common phrases

  • 散々な目に遭うsan zan na me ni a u

    have a terrible experience

  • 散々な結果san zan na kek ka

    terrible result

Similar words

最悪saiaku: Describes something as the worst or among the most unpleasant possible.
悲惨hisan: Describes a situation marked by great suffering, loss, or damage.
無残muzan: Describes a condition or result that is pitifully damaged or defeated.

Definition in Japanese

物事がひどく悪い状態にあるさま。また、行為や程度が極端に及ぶさま。mono goto ga hi do ku waru i jō tai ni a ru sa ma ma ta kō i ya tei do ga kyoku tan ni oyo bu sa ma

Word origin

散々 (sanzan, "terrible; thoroughly") is written with 散 (san, "scatter") twice, while the historical reason for this spelling is not certain.

Usage tips

  • Although 散々 (sanzan) often translates as "terrible," its adverbial use can describe an action done thoroughly, such as being thoroughly criticized or searched.

Other meanings

  • thoroughlyadverb

Opposites

  • 上々jōjōexcellentna-adjective

Word lists with this word