How to Say ‘I see.’ in Japanese
そうですか。
sou desu ka
[soh dess kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [そうですか] shows understanding, like [oh, I see]. The tone can change the feeling a lot.
🇯🇵 In Japan: You may hear this when someone processes your explanation before deciding whether to help.
Phrase Breakdown
そう
sou
[soh]
is that so
Used to show interest or understanding, like 'I see' or 'really.'
そう、とあいてのはなしをうけます。
I respond to the other person’s story with “I see.”
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite form meaning 'is/are' or supporting polite statements.
です、をつけるとていねいです。
Adding “desu” makes it polite.
か
ka
[kah]
question marker
A particle that turns the phrase into a question.
か、をつけるとしつもんになります。
Adding “ka” makes it a question.
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