そうすると
Having done that..., If that is done..., (And/just) then, Thereupon, If so
Structure
Explanation
そうすると is formed from the adverb 然う ('in that way' or 'like that'), the verb する, and the conditional particle と. It expresses that 'if that is done, (B) will happen' or 'as a result of (A), (B) occurred'. そうすると typically appears at the beginning of a sentence, connecting it to the action or situation described in the preceding sentence.
When used to begin a sentence, そうすると functions as a conjunction.
- この単語カードを使ってみて。そうすると、もっと簡単に覚えられるよ。Try using these flashcards. If you do that, you'll be able to memorize them more easily.
- 砂糖を少し入れてください。そうすると、味がまろやかになります。Please add a little bit of sugar. By doing so, the flavor will become milder.
Caution
The outcome introduced by そうすると is limited to two kinds of results. It is either a natural consequence that the speaker cannot directly influence, or a logical deduction that the speaker is making based on information they just received.
- 毎日この花に水をあげて。そうすると、きれいな花が咲くよ。Water this flower every day. If you do that, beautiful flowers will bloom. (Blooming is a natural process outside of the speaker's control)
- 会議は３時からなんですか？そうすると、自由な時間は１時間くらいですね。The meeting starts at 3 o'clock? In that case, I have about an hour of free time, right?
In situations where そうすると is used to make a deduction from what someone else has said, it can be translated as 'in that case, (A)' or 'so that must mean (A)'.
Fun Fact
While the word 然う does have a kanji, it is almost exclusively written using hiragana in modern Japanese. This is also the case for numerous other common expressions that use そう, not just そうすると.
Examples
このファイルをダブルクリックしてください。そうするとアプリが開きます。
Please double-click this file. Once you do that, the application will open.
早く寝た方がいいよ。そうすると、明日は眠くならないから。
You should go to bed early. If you do that, you won't be sleepy tomorrow.
あの交差点を渡ってください。そうすると駅がすぐ見えますよ。
Please cross at that intersection. Having done that, you will see the station right away.
雨が降り出したね。そうすると、ピクニックは中止かな。
It's started to rain. If that's the case, I guess the picnic is canceled.
窓を開けてください。そうすると部屋が涼しくなります。
Please open the window. If you do that, the room will cool down.
毎月少しずつ貯金してごらん。そうすると来年には旅行にいけるよ。
Try saving a little money each month. If you do so, you'll be able to go on a trip next year.
この薬を水に入れてください。そうするとすぐに溶けます。
Please put this medicine in water. If you do that, it will dissolve right away.
締め切りは明日だ。そうすると、今夜は徹夜しないといけないな。
The deadline is tomorrow. In that case, I'll have to work all night.
いつも文句ばかり言っているね。そうすると友達がいなくなるよ。
You're always complaining. If you do so, you're going to lose your friends.
このつまみを右に回して。そうするとガスがつくから。
Turn this knob to the right. Doing so will turn on the gas.
来月、引っ越すことになったんだ。そうすると、通勤時間が長くなるなあ。
It's been decided that I'm moving next month. When that happens, my commute is going to get longer.
相手の立場に立って考えてみて。そうすると、相手の気持ちが分かるはずだよ。
Try thinking from the other person's point of view. If you do that, you should be able to understand how they feel.