そうですか？
sou desu ka?
The English phrase "is that right?" can be translated into Japanese as そうですか？ (sou desu ka?)
そうですか？ is used to acknowledge new information or to ask for confirmation of a fact. While it often functions as a question, it is important to note that if you speak そうですか with a falling intonation instead of a rising one, it functions as an acknowledgment meaning "I see."
What does it mean word for word?
The word そう (sou) literally means "so" or "in that way", referring to the state or information that was just mentioned.
Which one should you use?
Depending on your intent, other phrases may be more specific: 本当ですか is used when you want to confirm if something is true or correct and 正しいのですか is used to inquire about the correctness of a statement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
そうですか？ is a polite form suitable for use with strangers, colleagues or superiors. For casual conversations with friends or family, you can use the informal versions そうなんだ, そうなの？ or ほんとう？
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle か (ka) at the end of the phrase turns the statement そうです (it is so) into a question.
How do you pronounce it?
sou desu ka?
Did you know?
- In Japanese conversation, the phrase そうですか is often repeated multiple times by a listener to signal active engagement, a practice known as 'aizuchi'. This is a social lubricant used to show the speaker that you are paying attention and following the story.
- While そうですか is polite, using it too frequently in a conversation can sometimes make a listener feel like you are being emotionally distant or merely checking a box rather than truly listening.
- In casual speech, the informal version そうなんだ can be used to express a sudden realization or 'click' of understanding, acting more like an exclamation than a question.
Examples in context
- あのレストランは美味しいんだって – そうなんだ、行ってみようかな？I heard that restaurant is delicious. – Really? Shall we go and check it out?
- 昼休みは1時から2時だよ – ほんとう？Lunch break is from 1 to 2 o'clock. – Is that right?
- 母が日本へ行くことになったんだって。- ほんとう？I heard my mother will be going to Japan. – Is that right?
- そうですか？Sō desu ka?Is that so?
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about a change in their schedule.
- 結衣 Yui明日の会議は中止になったよ。Ashita no kaigi wa chūshi ni natta yo.Tomorrow's meeting has been cancelled.
- 蓮 Renそうですか？びっくりしました。Sō desu ka? Bikkuri shimashita.Is that right? I'm surprised.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、メールで連絡があったよ。Un, mēru de renraku ga atta yo.Yeah, there was a notification by email.
- 蓮 Renわかりました。ありがとうございます。Wakarimashita. Arigatō gozaimasu.I understand. Thank you.
