そうそう
sōsō
In Japanese, そうそう (sōsō) is the way to say "oh yeah".
そうそう is used when a speaker suddenly remembers something that was forgotten, or when they want to confirm that what the other person has said is correct.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
そうそう is an informal expression and should be used with friends or peers rather than in formal business settings. Another informal way to express "oh yeah" is うん、そうだ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is formed by repeating the word そう (sō), which means "so" or "that way", to create an emphatic confirmation.
How do you pronounce it?
sōsō
Did you know?
- If you use そうそう while someone is still speaking, it functions as a 'backchannel' (aizuchi), a crucial cultural signal that you are listening actively.
- When someone remembers a forgotten point using そうそう, they will often accompany the phrase with a light tap of the finger against the temple or a sudden clap of the hands.
- While そうそう confirms a point, the similar-sounding そうですね (sō desu ne) is often used in Japanese conversations not to agree, but to politely signal that the speaker is listening without actually committing to an opinion.
Examples in context
- うん、そうだ！テーマパークに行きたい！Oh yeah! I would love to go to the theme park!
- いいね！やってみよう！Oh yeah, that's a great idea! Let's give it a try!
- そうそう、その通りだよ。sō sō, sono tōri da yo.Oh yeah, that's exactly right.
- そうそう、それも言いたかった。sō sō, sore mo iitakatta.Oh yeah, I wanted to say that too.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about a meeting time.
- 美咲 Misaki会議は三時だったよね？Kaigi wa sanji datta yo ne?The meeting was at three, right?
- 健太 Kentaそうそう、三時だよ。Sō sō, sanji da yo.Oh yeah, it's at three.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、忘れてた。A, wasurete ta.Ah, I forgot.
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫、間に合うよ。Daijōbu, maniau yo.It's okay, we'll make it.
