Translation guide
A phrase used to show mild surprise, interest, or to acknowledge what someone said. In Japanese, the best choice depends on formality, gender, and how much emotion you want to show.
You want to react to new information with polite interest, like 'Oh, really?' or 'Is that right?'
The most standard, polite way to say 'Is that so?' It can be used in almost any situation.
A: 明日から旅行に行きます。 B: そうですか。
A: I'm going on a trip from tomorrow. B: Is that so?
A slightly more engaged version of そうですか, with a nuance of 'Oh, I see, so that's how it is.'
A: 実は、来月引っ越すんです。 B: そうなんですか。
A: Actually, I'm moving next month. B: Oh, is that so?
Adds a slight pause or thinking sound. Can sound a bit distant or less engaged if not careful.
A: 会議は延期になりました。 B: ああ、そうですか。
A: The meeting has been postponed. B: Ah, is that so?
You're talking with friends or family and want to say 'Oh, really?' or 'Is that so?' in a relaxed way.
The casual equivalent of そうなんです. Shows interest and understanding. Common in everyday conversation.
A: 昨日、彼女と別れたんだ。 B: そうなんだ…。
A: I broke up with my girlfriend yesterday. B: Oh, is that so...
Very casual, often used by men. Can sound blunt or like you're thinking to yourself. Women may use そうなんだ instead.
A: もう行かなくちゃ。 B: そうか、わかった。
A: I have to go now. B: Is that so? Okay.
An interjection expressing mild surprise or admiration, like 'Oh!' or 'Really!' Not a direct translation but often used in the same situations.
You're not fully convinced and want to say 'Is that so?' with a hint of doubt, like 'Really? I'm not sure about that.'
Polite way to ask 'Really?' or 'Is that true?' Can be used when you're surprised or skeptical.
A: 宝くじが当たったんです。 B: 本当ですか？
A: I won the lottery. B: Is that so? Really?
Casual, expresses doubt or disagreement. Like 'Hmm, is that so?' or 'I wonder.' Often used when you think the opposite.
A: このやり方でうまくいくよ。 B: そうかなあ…。
A: This method will work. B: Is that so? I'm not so sure...
You want to simply acknowledge what was said, like 'I see' or 'Is that so,' without showing strong feelings.
Means 'I see' or 'That makes sense.' It's used when you understand or accept new information. Not a direct translation but often fits the same context.
A: このボタンを押すと、画面が変わります。 B: なるほど。
A: If you press this button, the screen changes. B: Is that so? I see.
Very short, casual acknowledgment. Can sound cold if used alone, so it's often followed by something else.
A: 明日は休みだよ。 B: そう。
A: Tomorrow is a day off. B: Is that so.
Do not try to translate 'is that so?' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like それはそうですか are unnatural. Use the set expressions above.
そうですか is a simple acknowledgment. そうなんですか shows more interest or surprise, as if you're seeking confirmation or explanation. In casual speech, そうなんだ is the equivalent of そうなんです.
そうか is typically used by men in casual settings. Women often use そうなんだ or へえ instead. In polite contexts, stick to そうですか or そうなんですか regardless of gender.
A: I made this cake. B: Oh, is that so? That's amazing.