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I heard that; they say that
Definition
The grammar pattern "Plain Form + そうだ" is used to report information obtained from another source, such as news, books, or other people. It is often used with '~によると' (according to) to specify the source. This pattern is used to convey that the information is not based on personal experience or observation, but rather on what someone else has said or reported. It is commonly used in formal or written language, such as in news articles or academic papers.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Form | Plain Form + そうだ | 明日は雨が降るそうだ |
| Plain Form of Na-adjectives | Plain Form + そうだ | 彼は先生そうだ |
| Plain Form of Nouns | Plain Form + そうだ | 彼は医者そうだ |
Examples
天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
Tenki yohou ni yotte, ashita wa ame ga futte iru sou desu.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
天気予報によると (according to the weather forecast) + 明日は雨が降るそうです (it will rain tomorrow, according to)
田中さんは明日、学校を休むそうです。
Tanaka-san wa ashita, gakkou o yasumu sou desu.
Mr. Tanaka says he will be absent from school tomorrow.
田中さんは (Mr. Tanaka) + 明日、学校を休むそうです (he will be absent from school tomorrow, according to)
あの人は先生そうです。
Ano hito wa sensei sou desu.
That person is a teacher, they say.
あの人は (that person) + 先生そうです (they are a teacher, according to)
Context
This pattern is used to report information obtained from another source, and is often used with '~によると' (according to) to specify the source. It is commonly used in formal or written language, such as in news articles or academic papers. It is not used to express personal opinions or experiences.
Watch out
The verb stem is used for the appearance 'sou' pattern, but the plain form is used for the 'そうだ' pattern.
This is a common mistake, as the 'そうだ' pattern requires the use of 'da' after nouns or na-adjectives.
This pattern is used to report information obtained from another source, and is not used to express personal opinions or experiences.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the plain form of the verb, and to use 'da' after nouns or na-adjectives. Also, be careful not to use this pattern for one's own first-hand observations.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain Form + そうだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
Pattern used: 降る
Hearsay 'sou' follows the plain form of the verb. 'Furiso' would mean 'looks like rain'.
田中さんは明日、学校を休むそうです。
Pattern used: 休む
Reporting a plan heard from someone else requires the plain form + そうだ.
あの人は先生だそうです。
Pattern used: だ
For nouns in hearsay 'sou', you must use the plain form 'da' before 'sou'.
Interactive
天気予報によると、明日は雨が______そうです。
Adaptive practice
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