そういえば
Speaking of which, By the way, Come to think of it
Structure
Explanation
そういえば is a conversational expression formed from the adverb そう, meaning 'that way', and いえば, the conditional form of the verb 言う, 'to say'. It is often translated as 'that reminds me', 'speaking of which', or 'come to think of it'. These phrases capture the essence of its literal meaning, 'if one were to speak of that', as it is used to introduce a thought that was triggered by something just mentioned in the conversation.
そういえば is almost always found at the very start of a sentence. It acts as a bridge, signaling that the ongoing discussion has just brought a related idea to the speaker's mind.
- そういえば、週末に見た映画、すごく感動的だったよ！Come to think of it, the movie I saw this weekend was really moving!
- そういえば、明日の会議の資料、もう準備した？That reminds me, have you prepared the materials for tomorrow's meeting yet?
- そういえば、うちの猫が最近あまりご飯を食べないんだ。Speaking of which, my cat hasn't been eating much recently.
Caution
Because そういえば must link back to something previously mentioned, it cannot be used to introduce a completely unrelated subject. This differs from the English phrase 'by the way', which can be used to change the topic abruptly.
- 木村さん： このケーキ、すごく美味しいね！
佐藤さん：そういえば、昨日見た映画、全然面白くなかったよ。Kimura-san: This cake is absolutely delicious!
Sato-san: Speaking of which, the movie I saw yesterday wasn't any good at all. (Unnatural Japanese)
Fun-fact
そういえば is closely related to the grammar point といえば. The key difference is that そう ('that') refers to the general topic just discussed, whereas と is used to quote a specific word. Because of their similar function, many resources teach them together, even though そういえば is effectively a fixed expression.
Examples
そういえば、図書館に本を返すのを忘れてた。
Come to think of it, I forgot to return the book to the library.
そういえば、先週の試験の結果、どうだった？
Speaking of which, how did your exam from last week go?
そういえば、駅の前に新しいカフェができたらしいよ。
That reminds me, I heard a new cafe opened up in front of the station.
そういえば、そろそろ髪を切りに行かないと。
Come to think of it, I need to go get a haircut soon.
そういえば、明日の旅行の準備はもう終わった？
Speaking of which, have you finished packing for the trip tomorrow?
そういえば、冷蔵庫の卵がもうなかったんだ。買って帰らないと。
Come to think of it, we're out of eggs in the fridge. I have to buy some on my way home.
そういえば、来週の会議の場所ってどこだっけ？
That reminds me, where is next week's meeting being held again?
そういえば、君の誕生日って、もうすぐだよね？
That reminds me, your birthday is coming up soon, isn't it?
そういえば、電車に傘を忘れてきたかもしれない。
Come to think of it, I might have left my umbrella on the train.
そういえば、山田さんは猫アレルギーだって言ってたよ。
Speaking of which, Yamada-san mentioned that he's allergic to cats.
そういえば、さっきの店の帽子、どう思う？
Speaking of which, what did you think of the hat at that last shop?
そういえば、この映画、前に見たことがある。
Come to think of it, I've seen this movie before.