そう聞きました
sō kikimashita
The English phrase "I heard it was" is expressed in Japanese as そう聞きました (sō kikimashita).
This phrase is used to report, confirm or repeat information that you learned from someone else or a third party.
Which one should you use?
You can also use the particle-based form と聞きました to express the same meaning politely. For much more casual situations, you can use the expression ～って聞いた.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase そう聞きました is in the polite form. When speaking informally with friends, you should use the version そう聞いた.
How do you pronounce it?
sō kikimashita
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the verb 聞く, which means 'to hear', is the exact same word used for 'to ask'. The meaning is determined entirely by context or the particles used in the sentence.
- In Japanese, using 聞きました implies you heard the information, but using 伺いました expresses the same meaning with a higher level of humility toward the person who told you.
- If you use そう聞きました to report a rumor, you are subtly distancing yourself from the truth of the information. It functions as a linguistic shield to avoid taking personal responsibility for the accuracy of the claim.
Examples in context
- 田中さんは大学に合格したと聞きました。I heard Tanaka passed the university entrance exam.
- 社長が退職すると伺いました。I heard that the company president is retiring.
- 映画が面白いって聞いたよ。I heard the movie is interesting.
Example conversation
Hina and Kenta are talking about a new restaurant.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい店はおいしいそう聞きました。Atarashii mise wa oishii sō kikimashita.I heard the new restaurant was delicious.
- 健太 Kenta本当？一緒に行こうか。Hontō? Issho ni ikō ka.Really? Shall we go together?
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。行きましょう。Ii desu ne. Ikimashō.That sounds good. Let's go.
- 健太 Kenta楽しみだね、陽葵さん。Tanoshimi da ne, Hina-san.I'm looking forward to it, Hina.
