In Japanese, we often say "So ka" when agreeing with someone. "So ka" appears in a variety of situations in everyday life, and the same word can be said differently depending on the situation. For example, you might say "So ka" when you suddenly think of something, or "So ka" when you realize something. It can be difficult to know which way to say it in which situation, but let's learn how to use it appropriately for each situation!
1. I see (sō ka)
"So ka" is a Japanese expression used when you have had an idea or are convinced. "So ka" is not a polite way of responding. For that reason, try to avoid using it when speaking with older people or superiors. Also, remember that "So ka" is generally used at the beginning of a sentence. Incidentally, you can also say "So ka" when you have had an idea, but in this case it's fine to just say "I see! (sō ka!)".
Example sentences
I see! So that's the answer!
Sō ka! Dakara sono kotae ni naru no ka!
Gotcha! So is that the answer!
Example sentences
I see... You're certainly right.
Sō ka.... Tashikani kimi no iu tōri da ne.
Yeah, you're right.
"So ka" can also be used to mean "I understand your opinion." Therefore, what follows "so ka" can be either a positive or negative statement.
Example sentences
I see... but I don't think that's right.
Sō ka... 。Demo sore wa chigau to omou na.
I see, but I don't think it's different.
2. I see(sokka)
"Sokka" gives a more casual impression than "sō ka." For that reason, it's often used when talking with friends. Be careful not to use it with your boss or someone older than you, as it's inappropriate.
Example sentences
I see! Take care of yourself!
Sokka! O daiji ni ne!
I see! Take care!
Example sentences
Oh, I see! I'm fine!
Sokka sokka! Daijōbuda yo!
I see! I'm fine!
"So ka" or "sokka" are expressions that can be used when you suddenly have an idea.
Example sentences
Oh, so that was the cause.
Sokka! Kore ga gen'indatta no ka.
Got it! This was the cause.
As such, it's good to remember that "sokka" is basically used in the same way as "sō ka."
3.Is thatso?
"Is that so?" is a more polite way of saying it than "Sokka." However, the impression it gives to the other person will differ depending on the situation, so it's easier for the other person to understand if you add a proper explanation after "Is that so?". "Is that so?" is used as a reply when the other person has replied to you.
Example sentences
I see. Then I'll take care of the rest of the work.
Sōdesu ka. Dewa nokori no gyōmu wa watashi ga yatte okimasu ne.
Is that so. Then I will do the rest of the work.
Example sentences
I see. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sōdesu ka. Dewa gorenraku wo omachi shite orimasu.
Is that so. We are looking forward to your call.
Example sentences
I see! Well then, I'll go and see you there now!
Sōdesu ka! Dewa ima kara sochira ni oukagai shimasu!
Is that so! I will visit you now!
4. I see(naruhodo)
When you are talking to someone you are close to and want to show that you agree with what they are saying, you can use "naruhodo" as a response. If you use it in response to the opinion of someone older than you or your superior, you may be misunderstood as being overbearing, so you need to be careful who you use it with.
Example sentences
I see! That was one way to do it!
Naruhodo! Sono shudan mo atta no ka!
Yeah! There was a way to do that!
Example sentences
I see... What do you think?
Naruhodo.... Anata wa dō omoimasu ka?
Uh-huh. What do you think?
Example sentences
I see. Well, I'll continue this tomorrow.
Naruhodo. Jā kono tsuzuki wa mata ashita ni shiyou ka.
All right. Then, let's continue this tomorrow.
Sometimes you can add "ne" after "naruhodo" to express it as "naruhodo ne," but be careful as this is not correct Japanese usage.
Example sentences
I see. That method might be worth trying.
Naruhodo ne. Sono hōhō mo tameshite miru kachi ga ari-sōda.
I see. That method also seems worth trying.
When Japanese people talk to each other, some people use expressions like "I see (naruhodo desu)" or "I see (naruhodo desu ne)", but these are incorrect Japanese. To show that you understand what the other person is saying, it is also good to use expressions like "I got it (wakarimashita)".
There are many words in Japanese to express interjections. In addition to "I see (sō ka)," there are many other ways to interject interjections in Japanese. Why not study Japanese more and become able to use a variety of expressions?
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