The Japanese phrase そうだ can be a little tricky. Because it has two very different meanings. One expresses how something seems based on observation. The other is used to report what you’ve heard from someone else. Although they look the same, these two uses follow different grammar patterns. Understanding both will help you sound more natural and nuanced in Japanese.
そうだ
It seems / I heard
JLPT Level: N3
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How to Use It
Use ～そうだ with the stem of verbs and adjectives to express how something appears (e.g., “seems tasty”). Use ～そうだ with the short form to relay what you’ve heard (e.g., “I heard it will rain”). Despite their similar form, these two uses are grammatically distinct. Pay close attention to whether you’re describing a visual impression or sharing secondhand information.
Usage Pattern
To express how something seems:
[Verb/Adjective stem] + そうだ
To report what you heard:
[Verb/Adjective short form] +そうだ
Example 1
このケーキはおいしそうですね。
この けーき は おいしそう です ね。
Kono kēki wa oishisō desu ne.
This cake looks delicious.
Example 2
明日は雨が降るそうです。
あした は あめ が ふる そう です。
Ashita wa ame ga furu sō desu.
I heard it will rain tomorrow.
Example 3
あの人は泣きそう。
あの ひと は なきそう。
Ano hito wa nakisō.
That person looks like they’re about to cry.
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