When conveying an impression based on visual evidence or the appearance of a situation, you can use the auxiliary verb suffix sō desu attached to adjectives. This structure expresses a subjective evaluation of how something appears.

Grammatical Structure

To construct this expression, drop the final character of the adjective and append sō desu:

• i-adjectives: Remove the trailing i and add sō desu.
• na-adejctives: Remove the traiilng na and add sō desu.

Example:

Look at this flea market!
That looks quite exciting! (omoshiroi -> omoshiro-sō desu)

Dialogues in Context

Reconnecting

• "Long time no see, Yuki."
• "Oh, Tam!"
• "I arrived in Japan last year and have been focusing on my studies."
• "It sounds like you finally achieved your dream."
• "Yes!"
• "You look like you are doing well, too."
• "I am delightted to see you again."

Key Vocabulary:

• o-hisashiburi: Long time no see
• kyonen: Last year
• yume: Dream
• kanau: To come true / be fulfilled
• genki: Healthy / energetic
• ureru: Happy / glad

At the Ski Resort

• "This is my first time visiting a ski slope."
• "It certainly looks like a fun place."
• "Let's get started on the slopes quickly."
• "This specific trail looks rather challenging."
• "Is that so?"
• "Hold on a second."
• "You seem quite resilient against the cold, Haru."
• "Amy always seems to be having a great time."

Key Vocabulary:

• hajimete: For the first time
• sukī-jō: Ski resort / slope
• suberu: To slide / ski
• kōsu: Course / path
• samusa: Coldness
• tsuyoi: Strong / resistant