Grammar · N4
〜そう: looks like vs I hear that
Two different そう constructions that look similar on the page.
In short
Appearance そう attaches to a stem-like form: 雨が降りそうです, “it looks like it will rain.” Hearsay そう follows a plain clause: 雨が降るそうです, “I hear it will rain.”
How it works
The form immediately before そう is the crucial clue. Appearance is based on what seems evident; hearsay reports information from a source.
Useful contrast
English often uses “seems” or “apparently” for several Japanese patterns, so inspect the grammar rather than translation alone.
Examples
このケーキはおいしそうです。
This cake looks delicious.
明日は休みだそうです。
I hear tomorrow is a holiday.
Common pitfall
For いい, appearance is よさそう, not *いいそう when you mean “looks good”.