How to Say ‘Really?’ in Japanese
えっ、そうですか。
etsu sou desu ka
[eh soh dess kah]
Phrase Breakdown
えっ
etsu
[eh]
huh?; what?
Shows surprise before responding.
えっ、そうですか。と驚いて言いました。
I said, “Huh, is that so?” in surprise.
そうですか
sou desu ka
Is that so? / I see.
A polite response used when you hear new information; it can sound neutral, interested, or slightly surprised.
そうですか。ありがとうございます。
I see. Thank you very much.
Words in this phrase
そう
sou
[soh]
so; I see
Used after surprise to mean “is that so?” or “I see.”
えっ、そうですか。と小さな声で言いました。
I said, “Huh, is that so?” in a small voice.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite ending
Polite form that keeps the reaction respectful.
えっ、そうですか。と丁寧に返しました。
I politely replied, “Huh, is that so?”
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
Adds a confirming question tone.
えっ、そうですか。と相手に聞き返しました。
I responded back, “Huh, is that so?”
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