そう言う
The English phrase "say so" translates to Japanese as そう言う.
The phrase そう言う is used to mean "say so".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of そう (so/that way) and 言う (to say).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express "said so", use the past tense form そう言った. To say "if (you) say so", you can use そう言うなら by adding the conditional なら. If you want to describe someone who is currently or habitually saying such a thing, use the continuous form そう言っている.
Did you know?
- While そう言う is a standard way to report speech, using it in a formal setting might require the more polite version, そうおっしゃる, to show respect to the person who spoke.
- While そう言う means 'say so', changing the vowel slightly to そう言うな can turn the phrase into a sharp command meaning 'do not say that'.
- Japanese speakers often use そうですね ('is that so') as a filler phrase to show they are listening, even if they do not actually agree with what is being said.
Examples in context
- 君がそう言うんだから。Since you say so.Tatoeba #179158 by small_snow, translation #18014 by Zifre
- トム、お前がそう言うなら。If you say so, Tom.Tatoeba #13671087 by small_snow, translation #12581584 by rul
- あなたがそう言うなら、信じます。Anata ga sou iu nara, shinjimasu.If you say so, I believe you.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing whether a new restaurant is good.
- 健太 Kentaあの店、すごく美味しいらしいよ。Ano mise, sugoku oishii rashii yo.I heard that restaurant is really delicious.
- 美咲 Misaki健太がそう言うなら、行ってみようかな。Kenta ga sou iu nara, itte miyou kana.If you say so, Kenta, maybe I'll give it a try.
- 健太 Kenta絶対気に入ると思うよ！Zettai ni kiniiru to omou yo!I'm sure you'll love it!
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、今週末に行こう！Jaa, konshuumatsu ni ikou!Then, let's go this weekend!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
