さすがに

adverb

as expected; even (one); truly

1. as expected; as one would expect; true to one's reputation

Indicates that something lives up to expectations or reputation.

As expected, a professional is different.

Kyoto is truly beautiful, as you'd expect.

Having lived here for ten years, he knows this town well, as you'd expect.

2. even (someone/something); truly; admittedly

Indicates that even someone or something normally capable has limitations.

Even I'm tired now.

Even so, that's going too far.

I haven't slept for three days, so even I've reached my limit.

さすがに has two main uses that feel opposite but share a core meaning of 'as one would expect given the circumstances.'

SENSE 1 - ADMIRING (as expected):
Praising someone or something for living up to their reputation.

SENSE 2 - LIMIT REACHED (even):
Indicating that even someone/something normally resilient has reached a limit.

さすが (without に) is also common and largely interchangeable, though さすがに is slightly more emphatic.

Typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

Related Words

general

Added 2026.1.17 20:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

06000/06356_sasugani