naruhodo/sōdesu ka… Expressions used in Japanese when giving responses

In Japanese, we often say “そうか” (sō ka) when we give a response. The word "sō ka" appears in various situations in daily life, and even the same words are used differently depending on the scene. For example, you can say “そうか” (sō ka) when you suddenly think of something, or when you notice something. It's hard to discern when and how to say it, but let's learn how to use it according to the situation!

１.　そうか(sō ka)

“そうか” (sō ka) is a Japanese word used when you get an idea or are convinced of something. This is not a polite way to respond. So try not to use it for older people or your boss. Also remember that you use it at the beginning of a sentence. When you get an idea, you can also say “そうか” (sō ka), but in this case, there is no problem to use it in one word.

Example

そうか！だからその答えになるのか！

Sō ka! Dakara sono kotae ni naru no ka!

Gotcha! So that is the answer!

Example

そうか...。確かに君の言う通りだね。

Sō ka...。Tashikani kimi no iu tōri da ne.

Yeah, you're right.

The word “そうか” (sō ka) can also be used to mean "I understand what you mean.” Therefore, “そうか” (sō ka) can be followed by either a positive or negative statement.

Example

そうか...。でもそれは違うと思うな。

Sō ka... 。Demo sore wa chigau to omou na.

I see, but I don't think it's different.

２.　そっか(sokka)

The word “そっか” (sokka) is more casual than “そうか” (sō ka). Therefore, it is often used when talking to friends. Note that it is inappropriate to use it with superiors or older people.

Example

そっか！お大事にね！

Sokka! O daiji ni ne!

Oh, my God! Take care!

Example

そっかそっか！私は大丈夫だよ！

Sokka sokka! Daijōbuda　yo!

Okay! I'm fine!

You can also use “そうか” (sō ka) or “そっか” (sokka) when you suddenly get an idea.

Example

そっか！これが原因だったのか。

Sokka! Kore ga gen'indatta no ka.

Got it! This was the cause.

Thus, it is good to remember that “そっか” (sokka) is basically the same usage as “そうか” (sō ka).

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３.　そうですか(sōdesu ka)

“そうですか” (sōdesu ka) is more polite than “そっか” (sokka). However, the impression given to the other person depends on the situation you use it in, so it is better to add something after “そうですか” (sōdesu ka) to make it clearer to the other person. “そうですか” (sōdesu ka) is used as a reply when the other person answers something.

Example

そうですか。では残りの業務は私がやっておきますね。

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

そうですか。ではご連絡をお待ちしております。

Sōdesu ka. Dewa gorenraku wo omachi shite orimasu.

Understood. We are looking forward to your call.

Example

そうですか！では今からそちらにお伺いします！

Sōdesu ka! Dewa ima kara sochira ni oukagai shimasu!

All right! I will visit you now!

４.　なるほど(naruhodo)

In a conversation with a close friend, “なるほど” (naruhodo) is used as a gesture of agreement when you are showing that you agree with the other person's words. If you use it in response to the opinion of an older person or your boss, it may be misinterpreted as an overbearing attitude, so you need to be careful who you use it with.

Example

なるほど！その手段もあったのか！

Naruhodo! Sono shudan mo atta no ka!

Yeah! There was a way to do that!

Example

なるほど...。あなたはどう思いますか？

Naruhodo...。 Anata wa dō　omoimasu　ka?

Uh-huh. What do you think?

Example

なるほど。じゃあこの続きはまた明日にしようか。

Naruhodo. Jā kono tsuzuki wa mata ashita ni shiyou ka.

All right. Then, let's continue this tomorrow.

“なるほど” (naruhodo) may be followed by “ね” (ne) to express “なるほどね” (naruhodo ne) but this is not the correct way to use Japanese.

Example

なるほどね。その方法も試してみる価値がありそうだ。

Naruhodo ne. Sono hōhō mo tameshite miru kachi ga ari-sōda.

I see. That method also seems worth trying.

Some Japanese people use “なるほどです” (naruhodo desu) or “なるほどですね” (naruhodo desu ne) in conversation, but these are incorrect Japanese. To show that you understand what the other person is saying, you can use an expression like “わかりました” (wakarimashita).

In Japanese, there are many words to express a response. In addition to “そうか” (sō ka), there are many other ways to give a response in Japanese. Why don't you study Japanese more and learn to speak various expressions?

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