そうそう

taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle

eminent; prominent; distinguished; leading

Describes people or things that stand out as excellent or top-class. Often used in the pattern そうそうたる + noun, meaning 'a distinguished/illustrious group of ...'.

• 会かい場じょうにはそうそうたる顔かおぶれがそろった。

  The venue was filled with a distinguished lineup of people.

• 彼かれはそうそうたる学がく者しゃの一人ひとりだ。

  He is one of the leading scholars.

taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle

ringing (of metal); resonant (of a musical instrument)

Literary or formal term for a clear, resonant metallic sound. Rare in modern everyday speech; more common in written descriptions.

• 鐘かねの音ねがそうそうと響ひびき渡わたった。

  The sound of the bell rang out resonantly.