'Really?' and 'I see' that actually work
By the end you'll show interest with the right depth, from light agreement to genuine surprise.
N5 N5 to N4 · 3 phrases
- 1
そうですか
sou desu ka
Polite 'oh I see' for neutral acknowledgement.
Use when polite or work conversations, taking in info
ああ、そうですか。
aa, sou desu ka.
Oh, I see.
- 2
本当に？
hontou ni?
'Really?' showing genuine surprise.
Use when reacting to something surprising a friend told you
ええ、本当に？
ee, hontou ni?
What, really?
- 3
なるほど
naruhodo
'Ah, that makes sense' to show understanding after an explanation.
Use when after someone explains something to you
なるほど、わかりました。
naruhodo, wakarimashita.
Ah I see, got it.
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