1.
itself; the very thing; in itself
Attached to a noun or na-adjective stem to emphasize that the preceding word is exactly what is meant, with no qualification. Equivalent to English 'X itself' or 'X-ness itself'.
Compound of その (that) + もの (thing), but functions idiomatically as an emphatic 'X itself' rather than 'that thing'.
Usage
- After a noun: 愛そのもの 'love itself'
- After a na-adjective stem: 親切そのもの 'kindness itself'
- Often praises or characterizes someone/something as a pure embodiment
Common collocations
- 元気そのもの: the picture of health
- 真面目そのもの: seriousness itself
- 存在そのもの: existence itself; the very existence