Universal
Cultural · Communication
You
そうですか。それは知りませんでした。
そうですか。それはしりませんでした。
Is that so? I did not know that.
Romaji: So desu ka. Sore wa shirimasen deshita. / Reply Romaji: Sore wa omoshiroi desu ne.
Reply
それは面白いですね。
それはおもしろいですね。
That is interesting.
Gesture & etiquette
A slight raise of the eyebrows and forward lean with rising intonation expresses genuine surprise. A simple nod with falling intonation signals calm acknowledgment. The combined phrase adds genuineness — admitting you did not know something shows openness and humility.
So desu ka' is one of the most versatile Japanese responses — it can express surprise, confirmation, understanding, or polite acknowledgment depending on tone and pitch. A rising intonation signals genuine surprise; a falling intonation signals calm acknowledgment. Overusing it can seem dismissive — vary with 'naru hodo' or 'honto desu ka?'