How to Say ‘I see.’ in Japanese
そうなんですね。
sou na n desu ne
[soh nah n dess ne]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This shows you've taken in what someone told you and sounds warmer than a flat そうですか. It's a natural reply after someone explains something to you.
Phrase Breakdown
そう
sou
[soh]
so; that way
Means 'that way' or 'so' in terms of appearance or impression.
そう見えましたか。誤解させてしまいました。
Did it seem that way? I ended up causing a misunderstanding.
な
na
[nah]
(linking na)
Connects a word to ん/の in explanatory expressions.
静かなんです。
It's that it's quiet.
ん
n
[n]
(explanatory n)
Short form of の, adds an explaining or emotional nuance.
行きたいんです。
It's that I want to go.
です
desu
[dess]
is; am; are
A basic polite copula used to say 'is/am/are.'
田中です。
I am Tanaka.
ね
ne
[ne]
isn't it; right
Used to seek agreement or confirmation from the listener.
今日はいい天気ですね。
It’s nice weather today, isn't it?
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