How to Say ‘I see.’ in Japanese
そうですか。
sou desu ka
[soh dess kah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [そうですか] often means "I see" rather than a real question, even though it ends with [か]. It's a natural listener response when someone gives you information or directions.
Phrase Breakdown
そう
sou
[soh]
so; I see
In this phrase, it shows understanding or mild surprise, like “I see.”
そうですね、と答えました。
I answered, “That’s right.”
ですか
desu ka
is that so?
A polite response or question marker showing interest or surprise.
そうですか。
I see.
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
is; am; are
A polite copula used in set expressions too, such as そうです.
それは本当です。
That is true.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
At the end of そうですか, it gives the feeling of “Is that so?” or “I see?”
大丈夫ですか。
Are you okay?
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