〜そうだ (looks)
looks like ~
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜そうだ (looks).
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜そうだ (looks)」 means "looks like ~". Structure: Verb stem + そうだ. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
It softens predictions and helps you avoid sounding too certain.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1利用が終わりそうです。
りよう が おわりそう です。
riyou ga owarisou desu.
The use looks like it is about to end.
Everyday life
Example 2指導が終わりそうです。
しどう が おわりそう です。
shidou ga owarisou desu.
The guidance looks like it is about to end.
Everyday life
Example 3記録が終わりそうです。
きろく が おわりそう です。
kiroku ga owarisou desu.
The record looks like it is about to end.
Everyday life
Example 4配送が終わりそうです。
はいそう が おわりそう です。
haisou ga owarisou desu.
The shipping looks like it is about to end.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳が終わりそうです。
つうやく が おわりそう です。
tsuuyaku ga owarisou desu.
The interpretation looks like it is about to end.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
The use looks like it is about to end.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜そうだ (looks).
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.