How to Say ‘I see.’ in Japanese
そうなんですね。
sou na n desu ne
[soh nah n dess neh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Frequent small reactions like this (called 相槌 (aizuchi) "listening responses") are expected in Japanese conversation. Staying silent while someone talks can seem like you aren't listening.
Phrase Breakdown
そう
sou
[soh]
that way; so
Refers to what was just said by the other person.
そう言っていただけて安心しました。
Hearing you say that made me feel relieved.
な
na
[nah]
(connector before ん)
Links a word to the explanatory ん/の structure.
静かなんです。
It's that it's quiet.
ん
n
[n]
(explanatory n)
Casual form of の; adds a tone of seeking or giving an explanation, often before です.
どうしたんですか。
What happened?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
ね
ne
[neh]
isn't it?; right?
A sentence-ending particle used to seek agreement or add warmth.
すばらしい経験ですね。
That's wonderful experience, isn't it?
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