そうに
Seem, Look like, Sound
Structure
［い］Adjective［
［な］Adjective + そうに + Verb(1)
Verb［stem］(2) + そうな + Noun
(1) Adverb、［い］Adjective、［な］Adjective
(2) ［い］Adjective［
Explanation
そうだ is counted among Japan's 18 auxiliary verbs and conjugates just like a な-Adjective. It can be followed by な when modifying a noun, or に when functioning as an adverb. This is a special quality that only そうだ and ようだ possess among all the auxiliary verbs. The forms そうに and そうな convey the sense of 'appearing to be (A)' or 'looking as if (A)'.
- さっき、赤ちゃんが泣きそうにしていた。Earlier, the baby looked like it was about to cry.
- 友達は楽しそうに話している。My friend is talking like they're having a good time.
- 彼はとても上手そうに歌を歌う。He sings like he's really skilled at it.
- 高そうなレストランには入れない。I can't go into a restaurant that looks expensive.
Caution
When attaching そう to the negative い-Adjective ない, a special conjugation rule applies that requires attention. The final い of ない is dropped as usual, but then a さ must be inserted before adding そう. This process forms the structure なさそう.
- すごいね！寒くなさそうに泳いでる。Amazing! You're swimming like it isn't cold.
- 元気じゃなさそうな顔をしているよ。どうしたの？You don't look very well. What's wrong?
It is important to note that this insertion of さ does not apply to verbs. The reason is that the ない used to make verbs negative is an auxiliary verb itself, not an い-Adjective. For the negative auxiliary verb ない, you simply drop the final い and attach そう directly.
- 彼は嘘をつかなそうな人に見える。He looks like a person who wouldn't lie.
- 子供が面白くなさそうに本を読んでいる。The child is reading the book as if they are not interested.
Examples
その古い椅子は壊れそうなので、座らないでください。
Please don't sit in that old chair, as it looks like it might break.
彼はプレゼントを嬉しそうに受け取った。
He accepted the present, looking very happy.
このケーキはおいしそうな匂いがする。
This cake smells delicious.
彼は便利そうなアプリを教えてくれた。
He told me about an app that looks convenient.
もうすぐ映画が終わりそうな雰囲気だ。
It feels like the movie is about to end.
あんなに寒そうな格好で、風邪をひかないかな。
Dressed in clothes that look so cold like that, I wonder if they'll catch a cold.
彼はテストの点数を残念そうに見ていた。
He was looking at his test score with a disappointed expression.
この本はよさそうなので、買ってみようと思う。
This book looks good, so I think I'll buy it.
あの子、今にも泣き出しそうな顔をしてるよ。
That child looks like they're about to burst into tears at any moment.
この問題は難しそうだけど、チャレンジしてみる。
This problem looks difficult, but I'm going to give it a shot.
彼、いつもと違って元気じゃなさそうだけど、大丈夫かな。
He doesn't seem as energetic as usual; I wonder if he's okay.
その計画は面白そうだけど、リスクも高そうだ。
That plan sounds interesting, but it also seems risky.