〜そうだ (様態) Looks like / Seems like (appearance)
Core meaning - Looks like / Seems like (appearance)
Form - + そうだ; + そうです; Remove い + そうだ; Remove い + そうです; Stem + そうだ; Stem + そうです
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
いい → よさそう, ない → なさそう
- ✅ よさそう、なさそう
- ❌ いそう、なそう
そうだ (様態) vs そうだ (伝聞)
- 美味しそう = looks delicious (you see it)
- 美味しいそうだ = I heard it's delicious
Can't use with visible characteristics
- ❌ 美人そう (beauty is visible, not inferred)
This cake looks delicious.
It looks like it will rain.
He looks healthy.
It looks like it might fall, so be careful.
Find real examples
Discover this pattern in manga, dramas & more
Save for spaced repetition
Add sentences to your study deck
Practice 〜そうだ (様態) and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
Start learning free