有り様

ありさま · arisama · JLPT N1 · noun

state

有り様 — state

有り (to exist) + 様 (manner) = the way things currently exist, i.e. one's condition

Etymology: the existing manner of something. Often used for a sorry or unfortunate state, as in 'this sorry state of affairs'. Compare 状態 for neutral condition.

有 — hand 𠂇 + moon/meat 月
Originally depicted a hand holding a piece of meat (月 here is the 'meat' radical, not moon), expressing the idea of possessing something. Over time the meaning broadened from 'to hold/possess' to the general sense of 'to have' or 'there is/exists'.

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