that's right; that is so; yes, it is
Polite response confirming what the other person said or asked. Often used as はい、そうです or ええ、そうです.
Is this Tanaka's book? — Yes, that's right.
it seems so; that appears to be the case; that's my impression
Also used politely when agreeing based on appearance, impression, or available information rather than strong direct confirmation.
I hear that; people say that; it is said that
Hearsay pattern used after the plain form of a verb or adjective: 雨が降るそうです, 高いそうです, 便利だそうです. It reports information heard from another source.
I hear it will rain tomorrow.
"Are you Mr. Tanaka?" "Yes, that's right."
The meeting starts at three, right? — Yes, that's right.
Can we get to the station by this road? — Looking at the map, it seems so.
I hear the new shop is very popular.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow, I hear.
I heard that the ramen at this shop is delicious.
そうです is a direct, neutral affirmation like 'that's right', while そうですね adds a softer, more conversational tone that often signals agreement or thoughtful pause.
Formed from そう, meaning 'so; that way,' plus the polite copula です. The hearsay and impression uses are grammaticalized extensions of this expression.