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そう

so, like that, that's right

そうです / そうですか / そうですね / そう思う

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そう means "so" or "like that", pointing back at what someone just said, the same こ・そ・あ pattern as それ. It's the heart of the most common replies in Japanese:

  • そうです: "that's right"
  • そうですか: "oh, is that so? I see", said with a falling tone, not really a question
  • そうですね: "that's true", or, drawn out, "hmm, let me think"

Casually: そう, そうか, そうだね.

It also works as an adverb: 私もそう思います, "I think so too". Its partners こう (like this), ああ (like that) and どう (how) complete the set.

Examples

  • 学生がくせいですか。はい、そうです。

    Are you a student? Yes, I am.

  • 「明日あしたは休やすみですよ。」「あ、そうですか。」

    "Tomorrow's a holiday, you know." "Oh, is it?"

  • 私わたしもそう思おもいます。

    I think so too.

  • 「いい天気てんきですね。」「そうですね。」

    "Nice weather, isn't it?" "It is."

  • そうですね…、じゃあ、このケーキにします。

    Hmm, let me see… okay, I'll have this cake.

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