How to Say ‘Oh, really?’ in Japanese
あら、そうなの？
ara sou na n
[ah-rah soh nah noh]
💬 Usage Tip: [そうなの？] is an informal way to react to new information: literally "is that so?" You can make it more polite as [そうなんですか？] for a landlord, coworker, or stranger.
Phrase Breakdown
あら
ara
[ah-rah]
oh my; oh dear
あら is a mild, surprised reaction.
あら、そうなの？知りませんでした。
Oh, is that so? I didn’t know.
そうなの？
sou na n
Is that so?
A casual question meaning 'Is that true?' or 'Really?'
もう帰るの？ そうなの？
You're going home already? Is that so?
Words in this phrase
そう
sou
[soh]
really; is that so
そう helps form a casual response of surprise or confirmation.
あら、そうなの？大変ですね。
Oh, really? That’s tough.
な
na
[nah]
copula na
な connects the phrase naturally in casual speech.
あら、そうなの？初めて聞きました。
Oh, is that so? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.
の
n
[noh]
explanatory question particle
の softens and explains the question in casual conversation.
あら、そうなの？びっくりです。
Oh, really? I’m surprised.
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