そう

そう
adverb
so, that way, like that
1. so, that way, like that
Refers to a manner or state that has been mentioned or is understood from context. Part of the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system.
そう思(おも)います。
I think so.
そうしましょう。
Let's do that.
明日(あした)は雨(あめ)かもしれないから、そうなったら中(なか)で遊(あそ)ぼう。
It might rain tomorrow, so if that happens, let's play inside.
そうなる = to become like that, for that to happen
そうじゃないと思(おも)う。
I don't think so.
そういうことですか。
Is that what you mean?
2. I see, is that so
Used as a response to indicate understanding or acknowledgment.
そうですか。
Is that so? / I see.
Common response showing understanding
そうですね、ちょっと考(かんが)えてみます。
Let me see, I'll think about it.
そうですね as a filler while thinking
そうそう、それです。
Yes, yes, that's it.
そうかなあ。
Is that so? / I wonder about that.
そうだといいですね。
I hope so.

そう belongs to the ko-so-a-do demonstrative system, referring to a manner or state connected to what the listener said or what is understood from context.

KO-SO-A-DO SET:

  • こう: this way (near speaker)
  • そう: that way (near listener / known from context)
  • ああ: that way (far from both)
  • どう: in what way (question)

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

COMMON PATTERNS:

Related Words

Related: こう (this way (near speaker))
Related: ああ (that way (far))
Related: どう (how (question))
basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:10 · Revised 2026.6.8 11:21
01000/01167_sou