そういう
Like that, Kind of
Structure
そういう + Noun
ああいう + Noun
どういう + Noun
Explanation
As part of the こそあど言葉 (demonstrative words) system, こう, そう, ああ, and どう combine with the verb 言う to describe the type or manner of something. These phrases correspond to the proximity of 'this' これ, 'that' それ, 'that over there' あれ, and 'which' どれ (for questions). Functioning as a pre-noun adjectival, this pattern is always placed directly before a noun.
- こういう味のケーキは食べたことがない。I've never had a cake with a flavor like this before.
- そういう話はもう聞きたくない。I don't want to hear any more stories like that.
- ああいう店で買い物したい。I want to shop at a store like that one.
- 田中さんはどういうスポーツが好きですか？Tanaka-san, what kind of sports do you like?
While こう, そう, ああ, and どう are linked to これ, それ, あれ, and どれ, they are independent words. When used on their own, they function as an adverb, carrying a meaning similar to 'in this way' or 'like that'.
Caution
Be careful not to mix up the adverb そう with the auxiliary verb そう. The adverbial そう can be written with the kanji 然う, but the auxiliary verb is always written in hiragana.
Examples
こういう猫を飼いたいんです。
I want to get a cat like this.
そういう映画なら、ぜひ見てみたいです。
If it's a movie like that, I'd definitely love to see it.
ああいう家に住んでみたいな。
I'd love to try living in a house like that one over there.
どういう音楽がお好きですか。
What kind of music do you like?
こういう問題は苦手です。
I'm not good at this kind of problem.
そういう時は、誰かに相談したほうがいいよ。
In a situation like that, it's better to talk to someone.
どういう話だったか、もう一度教えてください。
Could you please tell me again what kind of story it was?
ああいう髪型にしてみたい。
I want to try a hairstyle like that one.
こういうデザインでいかがですか。
How about a design like this?
そういうケーキが食べたいですね。
I'd love to eat a cake like that.
そういう言い訳はもう聞きたくない。
I don't want to hear excuses like that anymore.
どういうプレゼントをもらったの？
What kind of present did you get?