JLPT N3 reference · Modality and stance
そう appearance and hearsay
The two patterns share a sound but differ in attachment: one is an immediate impression, the other attributes information to a source.
Core meaning and form
Appearance そう attaches to adjective stems or verb stems; hearsay そうだ follows a complete plain clause. Negative and exceptional adjective forms require care, especially いい → よさそう and ない → なさそう.
- Form: Appearance そう attaches to adjective stems or verb stems; hearsay そうだ follows a complete plain clause.
- Core use: The two patterns share a sound but differ in attachment: one is an immediate impression, the other attributes information to a source.
- Context: Negative and exceptional adjective forms require care, especially いい → よさそう and ない → なさそう.
Examples in context
このケーキはおいしそうです。Kono kēki wa oishisō desu.This cake looks delicious.
雨が降りそうです。Ame ga furisō desu.It looks as if it will rain.
天気予報では、明日は雨だそうです。Tenki yohō de wa, ashita wa ame da sō desu.According to the forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Appearance そう attaches to adjective stems or verb stems; hearsay そうだ follows a complete plain clause.
- The two patterns share a sound but differ in attachment: one is an immediate impression, the other attributes information to a source.
- Negative and exceptional adjective forms require care, especially いい → よさそう and ない → なさそう.