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Japanese Grammar: "Sou" (そう) with Verbs

This document explains the usage of "sou" (そう) in Japanese grammar, specifically focusing on its application with verbs. "Sou" can indicate hearsay or appearance, and this guide outlines the differences and provides examples for each case.

Overview of "Sou" with Verbs

1. Hearsay "Sou" (〜そうだ)

When "sou" is used with verbs to indicate hearsay, it means that the speaker is reporting information they have heard from someone else.

Formation:

  • Verb (plain form) + そうだ

Example:

  • 行く (iku, to go) -> 行くそうだ (iku sou da) - I heard that (someone) will go.

2. Appearance "Sou" (〜そう)

When "sou" is used with verbs to indicate appearance, it means that the speaker is expressing that something looks like it is about to happen based on their observation.

Formation:

  • Verb (ます stem) + そう

Example:

  • 行く (iku, to go) -> 行きます (ikimasu) -> 行きそう (iki sou) - It looks like (someone) will go.

Examples in Context

Hearsay "Sou" (〜そうだ)

  1. 彼は来るそうだ (Kare wa kuru sou da)
  2. I heard that he will come.

  3. くる (kuru, to come) + そうだ

  4. 明日は雨が降るそうだ (Ashita wa ame ga furu sou da)

  5. I heard that it will rain tomorrow.
  6. ふる (furu, to rain) + そうだ

Appearance "Sou" (〜そう)

  1. 彼は来そうだ (Kare wa kisou da)
  2. It looks like he will come.

  3. きます (kimasu, to come) -> き (ki) + そう

  4. 雨が降りそうだ (Ame ga furisou da)

  5. It looks like it will rain.
  6. ふります (furimasu, to rain) -> ふり (furi) + そう

Comparison Table for Verbs

Type Formation Meaning Example (To Go)
Hearsay Verb (plain form) + そうだ Reported information 行くそうだ (iku sou da) - I heard that (someone) will go.
Appearance Verb (ます stem) + そう Looks/Appears to be 行きそう (iki sou) - It looks like (someone) will go.

Summary

  • Hearsay "Sou" (〜そうだ): Used with the plain form of verbs to convey information that the speaker has heard from someone else.
  • Example: 行くそうだ (iku sou da) - I heard that (someone) will go.
  • Appearance "Sou" (〜そう): Used with the ます stem of verbs to express that something looks like it is about to happen based on the speaker's observation.
  • Example: 行きそう (iki sou) - It looks like (someone) will go.

Understanding how "sou" works with verbs in these two contexts will help you accurately convey information you have heard and describe situations based on what you observe.