How to Say ‘Busy’ in Japanese
忙しそう
isogashi sou
[ee-soh-gah-shee soh]
💬 Usage Tip: [忙しそう] means “looks/seems busy.” [〜そう] is a handy pattern for “seems/looks” (based on what you observe).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Saying someone is [忙しそう] can be more considerate than directly stating [忙しい], because it softens it into an observation.
Phrase Breakdown
忙し
isogashi
[ee-soh-gah-shee]
busy (stem used before -そう)
The adjective stem of 忙しい. It combines with そう to express appearance: 忙しそう = “looks busy.”
彼は忙しそうです。
He looks busy.
そう
sou
[soh]
seems; looks like (appearance)
Suffix meaning “seems/looks” based on outward appearance (寒そう, おいしそう).
そのケーキはおいしそう。
That cake looks delicious.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager