Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| そうですか | sō desu ka? |
| 本当？ | hontō? |
| ほんと？ | honto? |
While そうですか is a direct translation of "Is that so", other forms like 本当ですか are used specifically to confirm if a piece of information is true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase そうですか is composed of sō (meaning so or that way), desu (meaning is) and the question particle ka.
Which one should you use?
If you want to ask "Is it true?", you should use 本当ですか (formal) or 本当？ (casual). To express "Is that so" informally, you can use そうなの. Regarding そうですか, note that if you use a falling intonation when speaking, it functions as an acknowledgment of information, similar to saying "I see", rather than asking a question.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For polite or formal settings, such as speaking with strangers or superiors, use そうですか. The casual versions used with friends and family include ほんと？ or 本当？
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask if something is true politely, use 本当ですか, whereas 本当？ is the casual way to ask the same thing.
How do you pronounce it?
sō desu ka?
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, reacting to information with a variation of 'is that so' is a vital part of 'aizuchi', the art of frequent back-channeling to show you are listening.
- Using 本当ですか in a business setting can sometimes be seen as too direct or skeptical, so employees may use softer alternatives to avoid questioning a boss's accuracy.
- While 本当 (hontō) means 'truth', it is derived from the characters for 'root' and 'true', suggesting a truth that is grounded or fundamental.
Examples in context
- ああ、そうですか。Oh, is that so…This sentence shows how to use そうですか to acknowledge information.Tatoeba #11029487 by small_snow, translation #11040285 by end
- そうですか、良かったです！Is that so? That was good to know!This sentence shows how to use そうですか to express a positive reaction to information.Tatoeba #12655044 by urro, translation #12655047 by urro
- あ、そうですか。A, sou desu ka.Oh, is that so?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are talking about a new cafe opening.
- 結衣 Yui駅の近くに新しいカフェができるんですよ。Eki no chikaku ni atarashii kafe ga dekiru n desu yo.A new cafe is opening near the station.
- 陽太 Yotaそうですか。楽しみですね。Sou desu ka. Tanoshimi desu ne.Is that so? I'm looking forward to it.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんも一緒に行きませんか？Youta-san mo issho ni ikimasen ka?Would you like to go with me, Youta?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、ぜひ！Hai, zehi!Yes, I'd love to!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “is that so” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
