あ、そう
a, sō
The phrase "oh okay" in Japanese is あ、そう (a, sō).
An informal expression used to acknowledge new information or show that you have understood something.
Which one should you use?
While あ、そう is an informal way to say "oh okay", there are several variations depending on the situation. Use そうですか to politely express "is that so?" or "oh okay". For an informal way to say "oh okay, is that so?", you can use そうなんだ. If you want to express "ah, I got it" in a colloquial manner, use ああ、わかった.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
あ、そう is highly informal and should only be used with friends, family or people of lower social status. For a more polite tone, use あ、そうですか. For a casual, colloquial tone, ああ、わかった is appropriate.
How do you pronounce it?
a, sō
Did you know?
- In Japanese conversation, listeners use 'aizuchi' or frequent nods and sounds like そう to show they are listening, meaning they say 'oh okay' far more often than an English speaker would in the same conversation.
- In Japan, saying あ、そう with a rising intonation can make you sound like you are questioning the speaker's honesty or asking 'Is that so?' in a skeptical way.
- Using the informal あ、そう with a boss or teacher is not just considered impolite but can be interpreted as a conscious act of defiance or a social slight.
Examples in context
- あ、そうなんだ。a, sou nanda.Oh, is that so.
- あ、そうですね。a, sou desu ne.Oh, I see.
- あ、そうか。a, sou ka.Oh, okay.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about a change in dinner plans.
- 陽葵 Himari今日の晩ご飯はピザだよ。Kyō no bangohan wa piza da yo.Dinner is pizza today.
- 陽太 Yotaあ、そうなんだ！嬉しい！A, sō nanda! Ureshii!Oh, okay! I'm happy!
- 陽葵 Himariお父さんが買ってきてくれたよ。Otōsan ga katte kite kureta yo.Dad bought it for us.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、陽葵姉ちゃん。Arigatō, Himari-nechan.Thanks, sister Himari.
