そうなの？
sou na no?
In Japanese, 'is it?' can be expressed as そうなの？ (sou na no?)
This phrase is used to express surprise or to confirm a piece of information that you have just learned.
Which one should you use?
While そうなの？ is used with friends or family, the polite version そうですか？ is used when speaking to strangers or superiors. For a slightly more masculine or assertive colloquial variation, you can use そうなんだ？
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
そうなの？ is an informal way to ask the question. For formal situations, ですか is a common and versatile way to ask 'Is it?' If you wish to maintain a polite tone while adding a touch of uncertainty, you can use ですかね.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase そうなの？, the particle の at the end adds a nuance of seeking an explanation or expressing soft curiosity.
How do you pronounce it?
sou na no?
Did you know?
- If you use the polite version そうですか？ with a rising intonation, it functions as a question, but with a falling intonation, it becomes a statement of realization, meaning 'I see'.
- While English speakers use 'is it?' as a conversational filler, Japanese speakers might use そうなの？ to signal that they are actively listening and following the story.
- In casual speech, the phrase そうなの？ is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head to the side to signal curiosity and softness.
Examples in context
- これは辞書ですか？Is this a dictionary?
- この本は面白いですかね？Is this book interesting (in your opinion)?
- それは旅行か？Is that (going to be) a trip?
- 明日は休みだろう？Tomorrow is (probably) a day off, right?
- それ、美味しいやんか？Is that delicious (according to you)?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a upcoming event.
- 陽太 Yota来週、パーティーがあるんだ。Raishuu, paatii ga arunda.There is a party next week.
- 結衣 Yuiそうなの？Sou nano?Is that so?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、結衣も来る？Un, Yui mo kuru?Yeah, are you coming too, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiぜひ行くよ！Zehi iku yo!I'd love to go!
