I heard that ~, it is said that ~

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Reports information heard from others.

[Plain form] + そうです

明日雨が降るそうです。

Ashita ame ga furu sou desu.

I heard it will rain tomorrow.

彼は病気だそうです。

Kare wa byouki da sou desu.

I heard he is sick.

Use plain form. Different from ～そう (looks like).

～そうです (appearance)

looks like ~, seems ~

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.