Sou desu (2) そうです（2）

Predicate phrase meaning: look(s), seem(s)

The supposition expressed is based on the speaker’s observation.

1. After conjunctive form of verb

雨が降りそうですね。

Ame ga furisou desu ne.

It looks like rain, doesn’t it?

私は試験にパスしそうもありません。

Watashi wa shiken ni pasu shisou mo arimasen.

It doesn’t look like I’ll pass the exam.

2. After stem of adjective

あの人はとても優しそうです。

Ano hito wa totemo yasashisou desu.

That person looks very gentle.

彼はあなたに会えてとてもうれしそうでした。

Kare wa anata ni aete totemo ureshisou deshita.

He looked very glad to see you.

3. After adjectival noun

退屈そうでしたね。

Taikutsu sou deshita ne.

You looked bored.

このケースは丈夫そうではありません。

Kono keesu wa joubu sou dewa arimasen.

This case doesn’t look durable.

4. After yosa- or nasa-

(the irregular stems of you and nai respectively)

車の調子は良さそうです。

Kuruma no choushi wa yosasou desu.

The condition of the car seems good.

彼女は元気がなさそうです。

Kanojo wa genki ga nasasou desu.

She seems to be lacking in spirit. (She does not seem well.)

この料理はあまり美味しくなさそうです。

Kono ryouri wa amari oishiku nasasou desu.

This dish doesn’t look very good.

5. In answer to a question

(used as affirmative answer to a question ending in desu ka)

「これはあなたのかばんですか。」「はい、そうです。」

“Kore wa anata no kaban desu ka.” ”Hai, sou desu.”

“Is this your bag?” ”Yes, it is.”

See also mitai (1), mitai (2), rashii, sou desu (1), you desu