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 system: こう (this way), そう (that way, near listener), ああ (that way, far from both). It refers to things mentioned or known from context.

Common expressions:

そうですね (That's right / Let me see)
そうですか (Is that so?)
そうそう (Yes, yes / That's right).

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:10 · Revised 2026.3.6 8:50

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