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Look at the shaking shelf. The product is still on it—what do you think will happen next?

Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 3

〜そうです（様態）~sou desu

looks about to happen

Attach 「〜そうです」 to a verb stem to predict an imminent change from visible signs, without certainty.

How it works

Look at the shaking shelf. The product is still on it—what do you think will happen next?
Use “verb + そうです” when visible signs suggest that a change is about to happen.
Remove 「ます」 from the verb’s ます form, then add 「そうです」. Do not attach it to the dictionary form.
This expresses a judgment based on signs, not your own plan. It does not guarantee that the event will happen.
In the example, 「もう」 emphasizes that the product is nearly sold out. 「売り切れそう」 still predicts this before it has sold out.

If the plate has not broken yet, use 「割れそうです」. If it has already broken, say 「割れました」.

お皿おさらosaraがga割れわれwareそうです。そうですsoudesu
It looks like the plate is going to break.
このkono商品、しょうひんshouhinもうmou売りうりuri切れきれkireそうです。そうですsoudesu
It looks like this product is almost sold out.

A
あれ、あれ棚たなが揺れゆれていませんか。か
A: Huh, isn't the shelf shaking?
B
本当ほんとうだ。商品だしょうひんが落ちおちそうです。そうです
B: You're right. The products look like they're about to fall.
A
危ないですあぶないですね。ねすぐに対応たいおうしましょう。しましょう
A: That's dangerous. Let's take care of it right away.
B
私わたしがお客様おきゃくさまに注意ちゅういを促します。うながします
B: I'll warn the customers.
A
お願いおねがいします。します私わたしはわ店長てんちょうに連絡れんらくします。します
A: Please do. I'll contact the manager.

Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
The plate looks like it's about to break.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
お皿がです。
It looks like the plate is about to break.