1.
state; condition; situation
The way something is; the state or condition of a thing or place. Often used when describing a scene or situation that the speaker has witnessed.
2.
sorry state; pitiful sight
Used with a negative nuance to describe a deplorable or unsightly condition. Often preceded by この or その.
Written in kanji as 有様 or 有り様, but often written in hiragana. Describes the visible condition or state of something, typically something the speaker has observed directly.
Common collocations
- 町のありさま: the state of a town
- 現場のありさま: the state of the scene
- このありさま: this (sorry) state of affairs
- 目も当てられないありさま: a sight too awful to look at
- ありさまを伝える: to convey the situation
Usage
In sense 1, ありさま is neutral and simply refers to the observable state of something. In sense 2, especially with この or その, it carries a strong negative connotation — disappointment, disgust, or dismay at the way things look.