〜そうです (hearsay)
I heard that ~
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜そうです (hearsay).
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜そうです (hearsay)」 means "I heard that ~". Structure: Plain form + 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
At work
Example 1会議は中止だそうです。
かいぎ は ちゅうし だそうです。
kaigi wa chuushi dasoudesu.
I heard that the meeting is cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介は中止だそうです。
しょうかい は ちゅうし だそうです。
shoukai wa chuushi dasoudesu.
I heard that the introduction is cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 3経験は中止だそうです。
けいけん は ちゅうし だそうです。
keiken wa chuushi dasoudesu.
I heard that the experience is cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳は中止だそうです。
ほんやく は ちゅうし だそうです。
hon'yaku wa chuushi dasoudesu.
I heard that the translation is cancelled.
Everyday life
Example 5給料は中止だそうです。
きゅうりょう は ちゅうし だそうです。
kyuuryou wa chuushi dasoudesu.
I heard that the salary is cancelled.
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
I heard that the meeting is cancelled.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜そうです (hearsay).
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.