An image of a man (only his torso is visable) wearing a suit and tie holding a red balloon. There are buildings in the background and a comic speech bubble that has text that reads, "LET'S PARTY"

How to Use the Volitional Form in Japanese

The volitional form of a verb in Japanese expresses an invitation or suggestion. In English, the volitional form is often translated as “let’s ~,” suggesting an action that involves the listener in some way. The volitional form also expresses one’s will or intention when referring to an action done by the speaker (but that does … Read more

The Himeji Castle seen from afar, with the surrounding landscape and sky visible all around. There is text in it that reads, "The Sou Form in Japanese: It Looks Like ~ I Hear That ~"

Using the Sou Form in Japanese: It Seems/Looks Like ~/ I Hear That ~

The 〜そう (~sou) suffix expresses two different things:  It seems/looks (like)  I hear (that).  Let’s take a look at how it’s used. Sou Meaning #1: It Seems/Looks (Like) ~ “It looks/seems (like)” using 〜そう expresses the speaker’s impression or opinion based on visual cues. For this usage, 〜そう can be attached to verbs and adjectives.  … Read more

A group of business people (4 men and 2 women) talking to each other. The two women are talking in one group, and the 4 men are talking in their own group.

Sou in Japanese: One Of the Most Useful Words You’ll Learn

We use そうです (sou desu) and its variations to confirm or ask about the way things are. Related to the demonstrative pronouns これ (kore)、それ (sore)、あれ (are)、and どれ (dore)、the word そう (sou) means “that.”  The various forms of そうです (sou desu = (things are/in) that way) are used in many ways, in formal and casual registers, … Read more