そうだ
it seems, I heard that
The expression 'そうだ' is used to indicate hearsay or what one has learned or heard from someone else, often related to information about something or someone.
N4
Meaning
it seems, I heard that
The expression 'そうだ' is used to indicate hearsay or what one has learned or heard from someone else, often related to information about something or someone.
Formation
Spoken Only
Verb (dictionary form) + そうだ
い-adjective (dictionary form) + そうだ
な-adjective (noun + だ form) + そうだ
Noun + だ + そうだ
Explanation
‘そうだ’ is a conversational expression in Japanese used to convey information that the speaker has heard or learned, without having personally verified it. This structure can be applied to verbs, adjectives, and nouns:
- For verbs, it implies that something is happening as reported by someone.
- For adjectives, it conveys an impression of something based on hearsay.
- For nouns, it indicates information about someone or something.
This structure often allows for nuance in conversation, where the speaker may not express certainty about what they are reporting.