Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 3

〜そうです~sou desu

prediction from signs

Use verb or adjective 〜そうです to predict what seems likely from current signs.

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Pattern: 〜そうです
Romaji: ~sou desu
JLPT (approx.): ≈ N4
Course level: Beginner 3
Theme: Travel Plans

How it works

Look at the dark clouds: it is not raining yet. What do you think will happen next? Use what you see as clues for your prediction.
「そうです」expresses a prediction about what may happen next, based on the current situation or appearance.
「雨が降りそうです」is a prediction. It has not started raining, and the speaker is not saying it definitely will.
Remove 「ます」from the verb and add 「そうです」: 降ります→降りそうです.
「明日は雨が降りそうです」predicts tomorrow’s weather. A prediction can refer to more than just the next moment.
On hearing that it may rain, you take an umbrella. 「傘を持っていきます」expresses a preparation made based on that prediction.
「予約が取りにくそうです」means it looks hard to make a reservation. It is not yet a result from actually trying to book.
Remove the final 「い」from 「取りにくい」and add 「そうです」: 取りにくそうです.
Notice the difference: 「降りそうです」is a prediction based on signs; 「降るそうです」reports information you have heard.

Example sentences

明日あすasuはわwa雨あめameがga降りふりfuriそうです。そうですsoudesu
It looks like it will rain tomorrow.
予約よやくyoyakuがga取りにくとりにくtoriniku

In a conversation

A
明日あすの天気てんきはわどうですか。か
A: What is the weather like tomorrow?
B
明日あすはわ雨あめが降りふりそうです

Check yourself

Which sentence is correct?
1. 明日は雨が降りそうです。
2. 明日は雨が降りそうます。
3. 明日は雨が降りますそうです。
4. 明日は雨が降りそうですを。
Show answer
Answer: A 明日は雨が降りそうです。
Which sentence is correct?
1. 預け荷物は重そうです。
2. 預け荷物は重いですそうです。
3. 預け荷物は重そです。
4. 預け荷物は重いそうです。
Show answer
Answer: A 預け荷物は重そうです。
Which sentence is correct?
1. ガイドマップは便利そうです。
2. ガイドマップは便利ですそうです。
3. ガイドマップは便利にそうです。
4. ガイドマップは便利そうます。
Show answer
Answer: A ガイドマップは便利そうです。

More grammar in this theme

〜そうですprediction from signs

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