そうです

そうです
expression
I hear that, it seems that; that's right
1. I hear that, they say that (hearsay)
Grammar pattern expressing information heard from another source. Attached to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns + だ. Indicates reported information.
I hear it will rain tomorrow.
I hear he's not coming.
(たか)そうです。
I hear it's expensive.
元気(げんき)そうです。
I hear they're doing well.
I hear they got married.
2. it seems, it looks like (appearance)
Grammar pattern expressing judgment based on appearance or immediate observation. Attached to verb stems or adjective stems (without い or な).
This cake looks delicious.
It looks like it's going to rain.
(むずか)そうです。
It looks difficult.
元気(げんき)そうですね。
You look well.
(こわ)そうです。
It looks like it's going to break.
3. that's right, yes
Simple affirmative response meaning 'that's correct' or 'yes.'
田中(たなか)さんですか。」「はい、そうです。」
"Are you Tanaka-san?" "Yes, that's right."
これですか。」「そうです。」
"Is it this one?" "Yes, that's right."
日本人(にほんじん)ですか。」「そうです。」
"Are you Japanese?" "Yes, I am."
(たし)かにそうです。
That's certainly true.
まさにそうです。
That's exactly right.

TWO DIFFERENT PATTERNS:

【HEARSAY そうです】

Plain form + そうです = "I heard that ~"

【APPEARANCE そうです】

Stem + そうです = "It looks/seems ~"

EXCEPTION: いい → よさそう (looks good), ない → なさそう (doesn't seem like)

NEGATIVE FORMS:

  • Hearsay: 〜ないそうです
  • Appearance: 〜そうにない / 〜そうもない