Translation guide
How to agree, confirm, or acknowledge in Japanese, depending on formality and context.
You want to say 'that's right' to agree with what someone just said.
Polite and neutral. The most common way to agree in formal or polite conversation.
A: これは田中さんの本ですか。B: はい、そうです。
A: Is this Tanaka's book? B: Yes, that's right.
Plain form, used among friends or in casual settings. Can sound blunt if used in polite contexts.
A: 明日は休み？B: そうだよ。
A: Is tomorrow a day off? B: That's right.
More emphatic, meaning 'exactly right' or 'just as you say'. Polite and often used in business or formal agreement.
A: この計画には問題がありますか。B: その通りです。
A: Is there a problem with this plan? B: That's right.
Very casual, often used when you suddenly remember or strongly agree. Repeated 'yes, yes' feeling.
A: あの店、駅の近くだよね？B: そうそう！
A: That shop is near the station, right? B: That's right!
You want to confirm that something you heard or understood is correct.
Polite confirmation. Often used in response to a yes/no question.
A: 会議は3時からですか。B: はい、そうです。
A: Is the meeting from 3 o'clock? B: Yes, that's right.
Polite and softer, often used when thinking or agreeing while confirming. Can also mean 'let me see'.
A: この書類はここに置けばいいですか。B: そうですね、そこに置いてください。
A: Should I put this document here? B: That's right, please put it there.
Casual confirmation. Often used with a rising intonation as a question, or flat as a statement.
A: これ、使っていい？B: うん、そう。
A: Can I use this? B: Yeah, that's right.
You want to say 'that's right' when someone corrects you or reminds you of something you forgot.
Polite way to acknowledge you just remembered or realized something. 'Oh, that's right.'
A: 今日はゴミの日ですよ。B: あ、そうでした。忘れてました。
A: Today is garbage day. B: Oh, that's right. I forgot.
Casual version of the above. Used with friends or family.
A: 宿題、明日までだよ。B: あ、そうだった。ありがとう。
A: The homework is due tomorrow. B: Oh, that's right. Thanks.
While そうです is correct, repeating it too often can sound robotic. In casual conversation, そうだね or うん are more natural. In formal settings, vary with その通りです or おっしゃる通りです.
そうです is a direct confirmation. そうですね adds a nuance of 'I agree' or 'let me think', making it softer and more conversational. Use そうですね when you want to show you are considering the statement.