What is the difference between “そう思います” (sou omoimasu) and “そうだと思います” (sou da to omoimasu)?
“Isn’t ‘そう思います’ (I think so) and ‘そうだと思います’ (I think so) the same?” “In a certain situation, when I said ‘そうだと思います!’ (I think so too!), I was told that’s not the right usage…” “Please clearly explain the difference between ‘そうだと思います’ and ‘そう思います’!”
For beginners learning Japanese, understanding the difference between “そう思います” and “そうだと思います” is an important point.
Eri-san from JPLT Online Japanese Language School explains the usage and nuances of each expression with specific examples.
■ “そう思います” (Sou omoimasu)
“そう思います” is used to express your own opinion or thought. It is relatively subjective and indicates that the statement is based on your own feelings or ideas.
Examples:
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When sharing your opinion about a movie:
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「この映画は面白いと思います。」 (Kono eiga wa omoshiroi to omoimasu): I think this movie is interesting.
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When stating your opinion in a discussion:
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「彼のアイデアは素晴らしいと思います。」 (Kare no aidea wa subarashii to omoimasu): I think his idea is great.
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■ “そうだと思います” (Sou da to omoimasu)
“そうだと思います” is used when agreeing with someone else’s opinion or information. The “だ” here includes a sense of assertion and gives an impression that the statement is based on more objective facts. Examples:
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When responding based on information:
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「彼は来週出張に行くそうです。」「そうだと思います。」 (Kare wa raishuu shucchou ni iku sou desu. “Sou da to omoimasu”): He is going on a business trip next week. “I think so.”
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When agreeing with someone’s opinion:
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「このプロジェクトは成功する可能性が高いと思います。」「そうだと思います。」 (Kono purojekuto wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai to omoimasu. “Sou da to omoimasu”): I think this project has a high chance of success. “I think so too.”
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■ Specific Differences
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Subjective vs. Objective:
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“そう思います” expresses your subjective opinion or thought.
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“そうだと思います” expresses agreement with someone else’s opinion or information.
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Nuance Differences:
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Personal Opinion: “そう思います” is based on your own feelings.
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Example: 「この絵はとても美しいと思います。」 (Kono e wa totemo utsukushii to omoimasu): I think this painting is very beautiful.
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Agreement with Others: “そうだと思います” shows agreement with others’ opinions or information.
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Example: 「彼女は素晴らしいプレゼンターだと思います。」「そうだと思います。」 (Kanojo wa subarashii purezenta- da to omoimasu. “Sou da to omoimasu”): I think she is an excellent presenter. “I think so too.”
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■ Summary
What is the difference between “そう思います” and “そうだと思います”?
The difference between “そう思います” and “そうだと思います” lies in whether the opinion is subjective or objective. “そう思います” indicates a personal, subjective opinion, while “そうだと思います” expresses agreement with someone else’s opinion or information. Using these expressions appropriately according to the situation will lead to more accurate communication.
JPLT Online Japanese Language School offers effective learning methods through individual and group lessons. The teachers explain in detail why certain expressions are used and support you in improving vocabulary and practical conversation skills to speak Japanese naturally.
For more details, please visit the JPLT official website: [JPLT Japanese Language Training Online School by Dialogplus (jplt-dialogplus.com)]
