そう思います
so omoimasu
In Japanese, "I think so" is そう思います (so omoimasu).
The phrase そう思います is used to express agreement with an opinion shared by another person or with a previous statement.
Meaning: I think so (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of そう (so/that way) and 思います (think/feel).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The -masu ending in そう思います makes it a polite phrase suitable for use with strangers, teachers or bosses. For a more casual version used among friends, you can use だと思う or the dictionary form そう思う. Additionally, だと思います is a polite and common way to convey "I think so."
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you thought so in the past, use the past tense form そう思いました. In casual conversation, the dictionary form そう思う is used instead of the polite そう思います.
How do you pronounce it?
so omoimasu
Did you know?
- In highly formal business settings, a person might replace 思います with 存じます (zonjimasu). This is a form of humble language called kenjougo that lowers the speaker's status to show respect to the listener.
- In Japanese, saying そう思います can actually sound slightly assertive or certain, whereas English speakers often use 'I think so' to sound more tentative or polite.
- The word そう (sou) used in this phrase is a contraction of そのように (sono you ni). It literally points to the 'way' or 'manner' in which the previous person spoke.
Examples in context
- そう思いますよ。I think so.This sentence is useful for expressing "I think so."Tatoeba #213777 by arnab, translation #254072 by CK
- ええ、わたしもそう思います。Yeah. I think so, too.Tatoeba #228006 by bunbuku, translation #65359 by CK
- 私もそう思います。I think so, too.Tatoeba #4002020 by oliviya, translation #262339 by CK
- その映画は面白い と思っています 。I think that movie is interesting.
- 遅くなる かなと思う 。I think I'll be late.
- 明日忙しい と思う 。I think I'll be busy tomorrow.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are discussing whether a certain movie is good.
- 蓮 Renあの映画は面白かったですか？Ano eiga wa omoshirokatta desu ka?Was that movie interesting?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、そう思います。Hai, sou omoimasu.Yes, I think so.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんは映画が好きなんですね。Himari-san wa eiga ga suki n desu ne.You like movies, don't you, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、大好きです。Hai, daisuki desu.Yes, I love them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I think so” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
