〜そう
3 Senses1 / 3
Formation
N4SuppositionNeutral
Variations
そうだ
そうな
そうに
なさそう
Meaning
It looks like ~. Used when the speaker describes what they felt or sensed visually. Conjugates like な-adjectives. Cannot be used for things that are immediately obvious (e.g., かわいい, きれい).
Note
Indicates appearance or intuitive judgment based on visual evidence. It cannot be used for inherent qualities that are obvious upon sight (e.g., 'beautiful', 'cute').
Examples
この料理はおいしそうです。
This dish looks delicious.
彼は優しそうな人ですね。
He seems like a kind person.
彼女は元気そうに見えます。
She looks energetic.
あの映画は面白くなさそうです。
That movie doesn't look interesting.
彼は元気じゃなさそうです。
He doesn't look well.