〜そうだ
It looks like something is going to happen, or something seems a certain way based on what you see.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn 〜そうだ. It means 'it looks like' or 'it seems like'. You use it when you see something and think about what might happen or what it looks like. For example, if the sky is dark, you can say 'It looks like rain!' In Japanese, you might say 「雨が降りそうだ」 (Ame ga furi sō da). It's like guessing based on your eyes!
The suffix 〜そうだ is used to express what you think you see or what you predict will happen. It's attached to the end of verbs and adjectives. For instance, if you see someone crying, you can say they 'look sad' (悲しそうだ - kanashi sō da). If you see a tall building, you might say 'it looks tall' (高そうだ - takasa sō da). It's a common way to share your observations.
〜そうだ is a crucial auxiliary suffix for expressing conjecture based on visual evidence. It attaches to the stem of verbs (e.g., 食べそうだ - tabe sō da, 'looks like eating') and adjectives (e.g., 面白そうだ - omoshiro sō da, 'looks interesting'). This allows you to make educated guesses about imminent actions or perceived states, making your descriptions more vivid and nuanced.
When using 〜そうだ, remember it signifies an inference drawn from sensory input, primarily sight. It's vital to distinguish this from certainty. For example, 「彼は怒っているそうだ」 (Kare wa okotte iru sō da) means 'He looks angry,' not 'I heard he is angry' (which would be 〜そうだ as hearsay). Mastering this distinction is key for accurate communication and understanding native speaker nuances.
The auxiliary 〜そうだ offers a sophisticated way to convey subjective perception and prediction. Its application extends beyond simple observation; it can imply a degree of empathy or shared experience when describing emotional states (e.g., 「寂しそうだ」 - sabishi sō da, 'looks lonely'). Understanding its subtle implications in various contexts, including literary or dramatic descriptions, enhances comprehension of complex Japanese narratives.
Delving deeper, 〜そうだ can be analyzed through its grammatical evolution from the copula そう. Its usage reflects a pragmatic function of reporting perceived reality, distinct from factual reporting or hearsay. In advanced discourse, its presence can subtly signal the speaker's perspective or emotional stance, adding layers of interpretation to the utterance. Its nuanced application is a hallmark of advanced fluency.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 〜そうだ expresses appearance or likelihood based on observation.
- Attach to verb (masu-stem) or adjective stem.
- Commonly used for weather, food, people's states, and objects.
- Distinguish from 〜そうだ meaning 'hearsay'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese auxiliary suffix 〜そうだ (sō da). Think of it as your go-to phrase when you want to say 'it looks like' or 'it seems like' something is happening or is about to happen, all based on what you can see or sense. It's all about making an observation and sharing your inference!
For example, if you see dark clouds gathering, you might say 「雨が降りそうだ」 (Ame ga furi sō da), meaning 'It looks like it's going to rain.' Or, if someone looks really sad, you could say 「悲しそうだ」 (Kanashi sō da), meaning 'They look sad.' It’s a fantastic way to express your impressions and predictions in everyday conversation. We use it all the time to describe what we perceive!
The auxiliary 〜そうだ has a fascinating origin that connects it to the verb そう (sō), which means 'to seem' or 'to appear.' This form likely developed from older grammatical structures where そう functioned more independently before becoming a fixed suffix.
Historically, Japanese grammar has seen many verbs and adjectives evolve into auxiliary functions, and 〜そうだ is a prime example. Its usage solidified over centuries, becoming a core part of expressing conjecture and appearance. Tracing its roots helps us understand how nuanced expressions develop in language, showing how words adapt to convey subtle meanings based on context and observation.
〜そうだ is incredibly versatile! You'll see it attached to the stem of verbs (masu-stem) and i-adjectives, and the final 'i' of na-adjectives (changing 'i' to 'sa'). For verbs, it often implies an action is imminent, like 「危ない、落ちそうだ！」 (Abunai, ochi sō da! - 'Careful, it looks like you'll fall!').
When used with adjectives, it describes the appearance or perceived state. For instance, 「このケーキ、美味しそうだね！」 (Kono kēki, oishi sō da ne! - 'This cake looks delicious, doesn't it!'). Remember, it's based on observation, not certainty. You wouldn't use it if you *know* something is true, but rather if it *appears* to be true. It’s a key tool for descriptive language!
While 〜そうだ itself isn't typically part of fixed idioms, it's used in many common expressions that describe appearances and imminent actions. These aren't necessarily set phrases with completely different meanings, but rather frequent combinations that paint vivid pictures.
- 〜て、〜そうだ (te, sō da): Often used to link two observations or actions. Example: 「泣いて、悲しそうだ。」 (Naite, kanashi sō da. - 'Crying, they look sad.')
- 〜そうに (sō ni): Adverbial form, used to modify verbs. Example: 「彼は嬉しそうに笑った。」 (Kare wa ureshi sō ni waratta. - 'He smiled happily.')
- 〜そうもない (sō mo nai): Expresses that something is unlikely to happen. Example: 「そんなこと、できそうもない。」 (Sonna koto, dekisō mo nai. - 'It doesn't seem like I can do something like that.')
- 〜そうだ (as a standalone question): Can be used to ask for confirmation of an observation. Example: 「疲れてるそう？」 (Tsukareteru sō? - 'You look tired?')
Attaching 〜そうだ correctly is key! For verbs, use the masu-stem (e.g., 食べます tabemasu -> 食べ tabe). For i-adjectives, drop the final 'i' (e.g., 暑い atsui -> 暑さtsukusa). For na-adjectives, replace 'na' with 'sa' (e.g., 静かな shizukana -> 静かさshizukasa).
Pronunciation is straightforward: /sɔː da/. The stress is relatively even. There aren't plural forms for this auxiliary itself, as it modifies the preceding word. Common pronunciation errors might involve misattaching it to the wrong verb/adjective form. Always double-check the stem!
Fun Fact
The suffix 〜そうだ evolved from the verb そう (sō) meaning 'to seem'. Over time, it became grammaticalized and attached directly to verb and adjective stems to express appearance or likelihood.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'saw dah' with a slight emphasis on the 'saw' sound.
Sounds like 'soh dah', similar to the UK pronunciation but with a slightly more rounded 'o' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'sou' part too long or too short.
- Mispronouncing the vowel sound in 'da'.
- Adding an extra syllable where there isn't one.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding stem formation and context.
Requires correct stem formation and suffix attachment.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but correct usage is key.
Distinguishing from hearsay 〜そうだ is important.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Masu-form)
食べます (tabemasu) -> 食べ (tabe)
Adjective Conjugation (i-Adjectives)
暑い (atsui) -> 暑さ (atsusa)
Adjective Conjugation (na-Adjectives)
静か (shizuka) -> 静かさ (shizukasa)
Examples by Level
空は暗いそうだ。
sky TOPIC dark looks_like
Used with adjectives.
雨が降りそうだ。
rain FALLING looks_like
Used with verbs (masu-stem).
このパンは古そうだ。
this bread TOPIC old looks_like
Adjective + そうだ.
彼は疲れてそうだ。
he TOPIC tired looks_like
Verb (masu-stem) + そうだ.
美味しそうだ！
delicious looks_like
Common exclamation.
危なそうだ。
dangerous looks_like
Describing a situation.
寒そうだね。
cold looks_like particle
Expressing observation about another person.
その犬は大きそうだ。
that dog TOPIC big looks_like
Describing size.
眠そうだ。
sleepy looks_like
Used with adjective stem.
この料理は美味しそうだ。
This food TOPIC delicious looks_like.
Adjective + そうだ.
外は寒そうだ。
Outside TOPIC cold looks_like.
Describing weather conditions.
彼は忙しそうだ。
He TOPIC busy looks_like.
Describing someone's state.
その話は面白そうだ。
That story TOPIC interesting looks_like.
Expressing interest based on appearance.
雨が降りそうだ。
Rain falling looks_like.
Predicting an event.
彼は疲れてそうに見える。
He tired looks like seems.
Using そうに + 見える.
その本は古そうだ。
That book TOPIC old looks_like.
Describing an object's condition.
彼女は楽しそうだ。
She TOPIC happy looks_like.
Describing someone's mood.
このケーキはとても美味しそうだね。
This cake TOPIC very delicious looks_like particle.
Common expression for food.
空が暗くなってきたので、雨が降りそうだ。
Sky TOPIC dark became because rain falling looks_like.
Connecting observation to prediction.
彼は何か心配しているようだ。
He something worrying doing seems.
Using ようだ as a synonym for そうだ.
その知らせを聞いて、彼は嬉しそうだった。
That news hearing he happy looked.
Past tense of そうだ (そうだった).
この仕事は難しそうだ。
This job TOPIC difficult looks_like.
Assessing difficulty.
彼女は疲れているように見える。
She tired is like seems.
Using 〜ように見える for visual observation.
その映画は面白そうだ。
That movie TOPIC interesting looks_like.
Recommending something based on appearance.
危ない！その橋は壊れそうだ。
Dangerous! That bridge TOPIC broken looks_like.
Warning about a dangerous situation.
彼の顔色が悪そうなので、体調が悪いのかもしれない。
His complexion bad looks_like therefore health condition bad maybe is.
Combining observation with possibility (かもしれない).
この計画は成功しそうにない。
This plan TOPIC succeed looks_like not.
Using 〜そうにない for unlikelihood.
彼女は何か隠しているように見えた。
She something hiding like seemed.
Past tense of 〜ように見える.
その知らせを聞いて、彼はがっかりした様子だった。
That news hearing he disappointed appearance was.
Using 〜様子だ as a similar expression.
この古い建物は、もうすぐ取り壊されそうだ。
This old building TOPIC soon demolished looks_like.
Predicting the fate of an object.
彼の話し方からすると、彼は経験豊富そうだ。
His way_of_speaking from if he experienced looks_like.
Inferring qualities from behavior.
この状況では、平和的に解決できそうに思えない。
This situation in peacefully resolve can looks_like not think.
Expressing doubt about a resolution.
彼女の目は、何かを知っているかのように輝いていた。
Her eyes TOPIC something knowing if like were_shining.
Figurative use of 〜ように.
彼の沈黙は、多くを語っているかのようで、何か重大な決断を控えていることを示唆しているようだった。
His silence TOPIC much telling if seemed, something important decision facing it_is_suggesting seemed.
Complex sentence structure linking observation to implication.
その作家の筆致からは、人生の悲哀を深く経験してきたかのような、もの悲しさが滲み出ていた。
That writer's brushstrokes from TOPIC life's sorrow deeply experienced had like, sadness was_oozing_out.
Literary description using 〜かのよう (as if).
彼女の微笑みは、一見すると穏やかだったが、その奥には計り知れないほどの複雑さが潜んでいるように感じられた。
Her smile TOPIC at_first glance calm was, that depth immeasurable extent complexity was_lurking seemed felt.
Nuanced description of emotion and hidden complexity.
この地域は、かつて栄華を誇ったであろう面影を残しつつも、今は寂寥感漂う雰囲気を呈している。
This area TOPIC once prosperity boasted would appearance leaving while, now loneliness pervading atmosphere is_presenting.
Describing atmosphere and historical context.
彼の言葉は、まるで長年の経験に裏打ちされたかのように、重みと説得力を持っていた。
His words TOPIC as_if many_years' experience by supported were like, weight and persuasiveness had.
Comparing perceived quality to experience.
その静寂は、単なる音の不在ではなく、何か語りかけてくるような、深遠な響きを帯びていた。
That silence TOPIC mere absence_of_sound not, something speaking_to was_like, profound resonance was_carrying.
Personification of silence.
彼女の瞳は、まるで遠い過去の記憶を映し出しているかのように、深い物語を秘めていた。
Her eyes TOPIC as_if distant past's memories were_reflecting like, deep story were_hiding.
Metaphorical description of gaze.
この建築様式は、古典的な美しさと現代的な機能性が融合したかのようで、見る者を飽きさせない。
This architectural_style TOPIC classical beauty and modern functionality fused if seemed, viewers bore_not.
Describing aesthetic synthesis.
その老練な政治家の言葉は、長年の修羅場をくぐり抜けてきた者だけが発しうる、深遠な諦観とでも言うべき響きを帯びていた。
That seasoned politician's words TOPIC many_years' ordeal passed_through had only emit can, profound resignation and call_it_should resonance were_carrying.
Elevated vocabulary and complex phrasing.
彼女の芸術作品は、観る者に内なる葛藤や魂の叫びといった、言語化し難い感情の奔流を垣間見せるかのようであった。
Her artworks TOPIC viewers inner conflict and soul's cry such, difficult_to_verbalize emotions' torrent glimpse show if was.
Focus on ineffable emotional states.
その古文書に記された予言は、あたかも未来からの警告であるかのように、現代社会に不穏な影を落としていた。
That ancient_document in written prophecy TOPIC as_if future from warning is like, modern society on unsettling shadow was_casting.
Historical text with prophetic implications.
彼の演奏は、聴く者の魂を揺さぶるかのようで、あたかも宇宙の真理に触れたかのような、畏敬の念を抱かせた。
His performance TOPIC listeners' souls shake if seemed, as_if cosmos's truth touched if, awe inspired.
Hyperbolic comparison to cosmic truth.
その都市の夜景は、まるで地上に降り立った星々の集いのようであり、幻想的な美しさに息をのんだ。
That city's night_view TOPIC as_if ground on landed stars' gathering was, fantastical beauty took_breath.
Poetic description comparing city lights to stars.
彼女の静かな佇まいは、長年の思索を経て到達した境地を示唆しているかのようで、近寄りがたいほどの神聖さを漂わせていた。
Her quiet demeanor TOPIC many_years' contemplation through reached state suggests if was, unapproachable extent sacredness was_emanating.
Implying a profound state of being.
その寺院の荘厳な雰囲気は、あたかも時が止まったかのような錯覚を覚えさせ、訪れる者を悠久の歴史へと誘う。
That temple's solemn atmosphere TOPIC as_if time stopped if illusion made, visitors eternal history into invites.
Evoking a sense of timelessness.
彼の言葉の端々に、人生の酸いも甘いも噛み分けた者だけが持つであろう、達観した境地が垣間見えた。
His words' every_part, life's bitter and sweet tasted/understood had only possess would, detached state glimpsed.
Expressing profound understanding through subtle hints.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"〜そうにない (sō ni nai)"
It seems unlikely that... / It doesn't look like... will happen.
そんな難しい問題は、私には解けそうにない。
neutral"〜そうに見える (sō ni mieru)"
To look like / appear to be (based on observation).
彼は何か隠しているように見えた。
neutral"〜そうもない (sō mo nai)"
Similar to 〜そうにない, expressing unlikelihood.
この状況では、成功しそうもない。
neutral"〜そうもない (sō mo nai) - archaic"
A more archaic form expressing strong doubt or impossibility.
彼の言葉は信じそうもない。
literary/archaic"〜そうな顔 (sō na kao)"
A face that looks [adjective].
彼は悲しそうな顔をしていた。
neutral"〜そうにない (sō ni nai) - emphasis"
Emphasizing the unlikelihood of something.
このプロジェクトは、締め切りまでに終わりそうにない。
neutralEasily Confused
Same pronunciation as 〜そうだ (hearsay).
Appearance 〜そうだ attaches to verb/adjective stems. Hearsay 〜そうだ attaches to plain forms.
雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furi sō da) - Looks like rain. vs. 雨が降るそうだ (Ame ga furu sō da) - I heard it will rain.
Similar meaning of 'seems like' or 'appears'.
〜そうだ is more direct observation; 〜ようだ can be comparison, assumption, or indirect evidence. 〜ようだ is often considered slightly more formal or literary.
美味しそうだ (Oishisō da) - Looks delicious (I see it). vs. 宝石のようだ (Hōseki no yō da) - It's like a jewel (comparison).
Also means 'seems like' or 'appears'.
〜らしい often implies inference from indirect evidence, reputation, or typicality, rather than just direct visual observation. It can also mean 'typical of'.
彼は正直そうだ (Kare wa shōjiki sō da) - He looks honest (based on his face/demeanor). vs. 彼は正直らしい (Kare wa shōjiki rashii) - He seems honest (based on what people say/general reputation).
Very common colloquial alternative for 'seems like'.
〜みたいだ is generally more casual and conversational than 〜そうだ. It can also be used for comparisons.
雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furi sō da) - It looks like rain. (Standard) vs. 雨が降りみたいだ (Ame ga furi mitai da) - It looks like rain. (Casual spoken).
Sentence Patterns
Verb (masu-stem) + そうだ
彼は泣きそうだ。
i-Adjective (stem) + そうだ
このケーキは美味しそうだ。
na-Adjective + さ + そうだ
静かさそうだ。
Subject + は/が + Adjective/Verb Stem + そうだ
空は暗そうだ。
〜そうに + Verb
彼は嬉しそうに笑った。
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
For example, it should be 食べそうだ (tabesō da), not 食べるそうだ (taberu sō da).
Example: 雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furi sō da) - It looks like it's going to rain. vs. 雨が降るそうだ (Ame ga furu sō da) - I heard it's going to rain.
Not: 暑いそうだ (atsui sō da).
If you know something is true, use other expressions like 〜です (desu) or 〜に違いない (ni chigainai).
This is a common error for learners.
Tips
Sound Association
Link 'sou' to 'so!' and 'da' to 'day'. When you see something, exclaim 'So! Oh! What a day! It looks like...'.
Trust Your Eyes
Use 〜そうだ when you are making a judgment based on what you see or sense directly. It's your visual inference tool!
Expressing Empathy
Using 〜そうだ to describe someone's apparent feelings (e.g., 悲しそうだ - kanashi sō da) can show empathy and observation skills.
Stem Power!
Remember to always use the correct stem: masu-stem for verbs, adjective stem for i-adjectives, and 'sa' for na-adjectives.
Smooth Flow
Practice saying 'sou da' smoothly. Don't pause too much between the two parts.
Don't Confuse Meanings!
Be careful not to mix up 〜そうだ (appearance) with 〜そうだ (hearsay). Check how it's attached!
It's All About 'Seeming'
The root of 〜そうだ is the verb そう (sō), which means 'to seem' or 'to appear'. It's a direct descendant!
Visual Journal
Keep a 'visual journal'. Take pictures of things and write a sentence using 〜そうだ to describe them.
Predict the Future (Visually)
Use 〜そうだ for predictions based on current visual cues, like 'It looks like it will rain' or 'That building looks like it might fall'.
Adverbial Form
Don't forget 〜そうに (sō ni) allows you to use the 'looks like' meaning as an adverb modifying another verb!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'So, oh!' when you see something surprising and want to comment on its appearance. 'So, oh! It looks like rain!'
Visual Association
Imagine looking through a 'window' (そう - sō) to see what's happening or what something looks like.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around you right now. Describe three things using 〜そうだ. For example, 'The sky looks blue.' (空は青そうだ - Sora wa aosō da.)
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To seem, to appear
Cultural Context
Generally not sensitive, but be mindful when describing someone's appearance or emotional state. Ensure your tone is polite and not judgmental.
In English, we often use phrases like 'It looks like...', 'It seems...', 'It appears...', or 'He/She looks...'. The Japanese 〜そうだ captures this observational inference concisely.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing Food
- 美味しそうだ！ (Oishisō da!) - Looks delicious!
- 新鮮そうだ。(Shinsen sō da.) - Looks fresh.
- 甘そうだ。(Amasō da.) - Looks sweet.
Weather Forecasts
- 雨が降りそうだ。(Ame ga furi sō da.) - It looks like it will rain.
- 曇りそうだ。(Kumori sō da.) - It looks like it will be cloudy.
- 寒くなりそうだ。(Samuku nari sō da.) - It looks like it will get cold.
Describing People's State
- 疲れてそうだ。(Tsukarete sō da.) - Looks tired.
- 眠そうだ。(Nemusō da.) - Looks sleepy.
- 楽しそうだ。(Tanoshisō da.) - Looks like they're having fun.
Assessing Objects/Situations
- 危なそうだ。(Abunai sō da.) - Looks dangerous.
- 壊れそうだ。(Kowaresō da.) - Looks like it will break.
- 古そうだ。(Furusō da.) - Looks old.
Conversation Starters
"今日の天気、どう？ 雨が降りそうだね。"
"このケーキ、すごく美味しそうだと思わない？"
"あの人、何か困っているみたいだけど、大丈夫かな？ 助けを求めているそうに見える。"
"この映画の予告編、面白そうだね。観に行こうか？"
"最近、仕事が忙しそうだね。無理しないでね。"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite food using 〜そうだ. What makes it look so appealing?
Observe someone (or a pet!) around you. Describe their appearance or actions using 〜そうだ.
Look out the window. What is the weather like, and what does it look like it might do next? Use 〜そうだ.
Think about a challenging task you have. Does it look difficult? Use 〜そうだ to describe how it appears to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions〜そうだ is primarily based on direct visual observation or immediate sensory input. 〜らしい can be based on observation, but also on hearsay, general knowledge, or typical characteristics.
Yes, the past tense is 〜そうだった (sō datta). For example, 彼は疲れてそうだった (Kare wa tsukarete sō datta) - He looked tired (in the past).
You replace the 'na' with 'sa'. For example, 静か (shizuka) becomes 静かさそうだ (shizukasa sō da).
No, there are two different 〜そうだ. The one meaning 'it looks like' attaches to stems. The one meaning 'I heard...' attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and the copula (e.g., 雨が降るそうだ - Ame ga furu sō da - I heard it will rain).
Generally, no. 〜そうだ is used to describe what others appear to be feeling or what seems to be happening externally. For your own feelings, you'd use expressions like 〜と思う (to omou - I think) or state the feeling directly.
〜みたいだ is more colloquial and often used in casual conversation. 〜そうだ is also common but can feel slightly more formal or standard in written contexts.
Yes, you attach it to the masu-stem of the verb part. For example, 食べ始める (tabehajimeru - to start eating) becomes 食べ始めそうだ (tabehajimesō da - it looks like they will start eating).
Yes, for adjectives, you can use 〜さそうだ (sa sō da) for positive appearance and 〜くなさそうだ (ku nasai sō da) for negative appearance (e.g., 寒くなさそうだ - samuku nasai sō da - doesn't look cold). For verbs, the negative is often expressed with 〜そうにない (sō ni nai) or 〜そうもない (sō mo nai), meaning 'unlikely to'.
Test Yourself
空は暗い＿＿＿。
We use 〜そうだ after an adjective stem to describe appearance. The sky looks dark.
Which sentence means 'This food looks delicious'?
美味しそうだ (oishisō da) means 'looks delicious'.
You can use 〜そうだ after the dictionary form of a verb, like 食べるそうだ (taberu sō da).
You must use the masu-stem for verbs: 食べそうだ (tabe sō da).
Word
Meaning
These are common expressions using 〜そうだ with adjectives.
The correct sentence is 彼は疲れて見えるそうだ (Kare wa tsukarete mieru sō da) - He looks like he appears tired. (This is a slightly complex structure, often simplified to 彼は疲れているそうだ - Kare wa tsukarete iru sō da).
このパンは古＿＿＿。
We use 〜そうだ after adjective stems to describe appearance. This bread looks old.
Which sentence means 'It looks like it's going to rain'?
雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furi sō da) uses the masu-stem of 降る (furu) + そうだ.
〜そうだ can be used to express certainty about a fact.
〜そうだ expresses appearance or likelihood based on observation, not certainty.
彼女は何か隠している＿＿＿。
The adverbial form 〜そうに modifies the verb 見える (mieru) or other verbs, meaning 'looks like' or 'appears to'.
The correct sentence is この椅子は壊れそうだ (Kono isu wa kowaresō da) - This chair looks like it will break.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 〜そうだ to share what you see and infer!
- 〜そうだ expresses appearance or likelihood based on observation.
- Attach to verb (masu-stem) or adjective stem.
- Commonly used for weather, food, people's states, and objects.
- Distinguish from 〜そうだ meaning 'hearsay'.
Sound Association
Link 'sou' to 'so!' and 'da' to 'day'. When you see something, exclaim 'So! Oh! What a day! It looks like...'.
Trust Your Eyes
Use 〜そうだ when you are making a judgment based on what you see or sense directly. It's your visual inference tool!
Expressing Empathy
Using 〜そうだ to describe someone's apparent feelings (e.g., 悲しそうだ - kanashi sō da) can show empathy and observation skills.
Stem Power!
Remember to always use the correct stem: masu-stem for verbs, adjective stem for i-adjectives, and 'sa' for na-adjectives.
Example
今にも雨が降りそうだ。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
