〜そうです (appearance)
looks like ~
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜そうです (appearance).
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜そうです (appearance)」 means "looks like ~". Structure: Verb stem / Adj stem + そうです. This is a JLPT N4 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: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1この故障は良さそうです。
この こしょう は よさそうです。
kono koshou wa yosasoudesu.
This breakdown looks good.
Everyday life
Example 2このお釣りは良さそうです。
この おつり は よさそうです。
kono otsuri wa yosasoudesu.
This change (money) looks good.
Everyday life
Example 3この畳は良さそうです。
この たたみ は よさそうです。
kono tatami wa yosasoudesu.
This tatami mat looks good.
Everyday life
Example 4この紙は良さそうです。
この かみ は よさそうです。
kono kami wa yosasoudesu.
This paper looks good.
Everyday life
Example 5この草は良さそうです。
この くさ は よさそうです。
kono kusa wa yosasoudesu.
This grass looks good.
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
This breakdown looks good.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜そうです (appearance).
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.