A2 Expression 正式

そうなんですか

Sou nan desu ka

Is that so?

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use {そう|そう}なんですか to show you are actively listening and mildly surprised by new information.

  • Means: 'Is that so?' or 'Oh, I see!' indicating new awareness.
  • Used in: Casual chats, business meetings, or when learning a new fact.
  • Don't confuse: With {そう|そう}ですね, which means 'I agree' or 'That's right'.
Surprise + Active Listening = Engaging Conversation

适合你水平的解释：

This is a polite way to say 'Oh, really?' in Japanese. You use it when someone tells you something new.
It is a standard expression for active listening. It combines 'that' with an explanatory particle to ask 'Is that so?' It is essential for keeping conversations moving smoothly.
This phrase functions as a backchanneling device. It indicates that the listener has processed new information and is inviting the speaker to elaborate further. It is a cornerstone of polite, consultative register.
As a pragmatic marker, it serves to maintain conversational flow and social harmony. By framing a reaction as a question, the listener avoids being overly assertive, which is a key strategy in Japanese discourse.
This expression exemplifies the Japanese preference for indirectness. By utilizing the explanatory 'no' particle, the speaker softens their reaction, creating a collaborative atmosphere. It is a vital tool for navigating the nuances of Japanese social hierarchy.
From a cognitive linguistic perspective, this phrase functions as a phatic expression that bridges the gap between information intake and social validation. It demonstrates the speaker's mastery of the 'aizuchi' system, essential for near-native fluency.

意思

Expressing mild surprise or seeking confirmation about something new learned.

🌍

文化背景

Essential for 'aizuchi' (active listening).

💡

Tone matters

Use a rising intonation for the question.

意思

Expressing mild surprise or seeking confirmation about something new learned.

💡

Tone matters

Use a rising intonation for the question.

自我测试

Which is correct for new information?

A: {明日|あした}は{雨|あめ}です。 B: ____

✓ 正确！ ✗ 不太对。 正确答案： {そう|そう}なんですか

Use this for new info.

🎉 得分： /1

常见问题

1 个问题

Yes, it is polite.

相关表达

🔗

なるほど

similar

I see

在哪里用

💼

Work Update

Boss: We are changing the deadline.

You: {そう|そう}なんですか。{承知|しょうち}しました。

formal

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'So-nan-desu-ka' as 'So, none of this did I know!'

视觉联想

Imagine a lightbulb turning on over your head every time you say it.

Story

You are at a party. A friend tells you they moved to Tokyo. You say 'So-nan-desu-ka!' to show interest. They smile and tell you more.

Word Web

そうですねへえなるほどそうですか本当

挑战

Use it 3 times in a conversation today.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

¿Ah, sí?

Japanese requires more formal endings.

French high

Ah bon?

French is much shorter.

German high

Ach so?

German is less formal.

Japanese moderate

なるほど

Naruhodo is for understanding; so-nan-desu-ka is for surprise.

Arabic moderate

حقاً؟

Arabic is more direct.

Chinese high

是吗？

Chinese lacks the 'explanatory' particle nuance.

Korean high

그래요?

Korean uses different honorific markers.

Portuguese high

É mesmo?

Portuguese is more emotional.

容易混淆

そうなんですか 对比 そうですね

Agreement vs Surprise

Use 'desu ne' for agreement.

常见问题 (1)

Yes, it is polite.

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