そう
Look like, Appear, Seem, Have a feeling that
Structure
［い］Adjective［
［な］Adjective + そう + だ
Negative:
Verb［
［い］Adjective ［
［な］Adjective + では(1)
Exceptions:
いい ￫ よ
(1) じゃ
Explanation
そうだ is a prominent Japanese auxiliary verb with two distinct grammatical functions. In both uses, it conveys the general idea that something gives a certain impression or appearance. For this reason, そう is often translated into English as 'looks', 'seems', or 'appears to be'.
This grammar point will cover the usage that attaches to the stem form of verbs and adjectives. Please refer to the structure guide to see how these forms are created.
- 雨が降りそうだ。It looks like it's going to rain.
- その鞄は重そうだ。That bag looks heavy.
- この町はにぎやかそうだ。This town seems lively.
Caution
そう also has a special conjugation rule when used with the い-Adjective, ない. In this situation, the final い is dropped as usual, but さ must be inserted before attaching そう. This results in the unique form なさそう.
- その試験は難しくなさそうだ。That exam doesn't seem difficult.
- 田中さんは元気じゃなさそう。Tanaka-san doesn't look well.
It is important to remember that this insertion of さ does not apply to verbs. This is because the ない used to make verbs negative is an auxiliary verb, not an い-Adjective. For the verb-ending ない, you will simply drop the い and add そう to the stem.
- バスはまだ来なそうだ。It looks like the bus isn't coming yet.
Caution
This usage of そう is reserved for making conjectures based on what you can see. It implies a fairly low level of certainty, so it should be avoided for things that are clearly true. In situations where your conclusion is more certain, みたい is the more appropriate choice.
- 部長は忙しいみたいだ。It looks like the manager is busy. (Higher confidence)
- 部長は忙しそうだ。The manager looks busy. (Lower confidence)
Examples
鞄が落ちそうです。
Your bag looks like it is going to fall.
あの映画は面白そうです。
That movie looks interesting.
田中さんは元気そうだ。
Tanaka-san seems energetic.
この本は読みやすそう。
This book looks easy to read.
このケーキはすごく甘そうです。
This cake seems incredibly sweet.
この料理はかなり辛いけど、平気そうですか？
This dish is pretty spicy, does it seem like you'll be alright?
そのパーティーは楽しそうですね。
That party sounds like fun, doesn't it?
京都にはお寺がたくさんありそうですね。
It seems like there are a lot of temples in Kyoto.
雨はまだ止まなそうです。
It doesn't look like the rain is going to stop yet.
急がないと、遅刻しそうです。
If I don't hurry, it looks like I'm going to be late.
「試合に勝てそうですか？」「いいえ、勝てなそうです。」
'Does it look like you can win the match?' 'No, it doesn't seem possible.'
その時計は高くなさそうです。
That watch doesn't look expensive.