# そうすると: if so; then > Learn how to use そうすると, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning if so; then, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-sou-suru-to/ **そうすると** means **if so; then**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **show the result that follows from an action or situation**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **そうすると** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does そうすると mean? Use **そうすると** when you want to **show the result that follows from an action or situation**. Natural translations include: - if so; then - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form そうすると Sentence. そうすると + sentence Examples of the pattern: - この道をまっすぐ行ってください。そうすると - まず電源を入れます。そうすると - 今日は休みですか。そうすると In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is そうすると used? Use **そうすると** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## そうすると example sentences - この道をまっすぐ行ってください。そうすると、駅が見えます。 — Go straight down this road. Then you will see the station. - まず電源を入れます。そうすると、画面が表示されます。 — First turn on the power. Then the screen will appear. - 今日は休みですか。そうすると、店は開いていないですね。 — It's closed today? If so, the shop isn't open. - ここで待ってください。そうすると、担当者が来ます。 — Please wait here. Then the person in charge will come. - 予算が足りません。そうすると、計画を変える必要があります。 — The budget is insufficient. If so, we need to change the plan. After reading each sentence, ask what job **そうすると** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of そうすると The key nuance is **show the result that follows from an action or situation**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **そうすると** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **そうしたら**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## そうすると vs そうしたら Both **そうすると** and **そうしたら** can express related ideas, but they are different. **そうすると**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **そうしたら**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - この道をまっすぐ行ってください。そうすると、駅が見えます。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **そうしたら** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with そうすると Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **そうしたら** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **そうすると**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is そうすると on the JLPT? Yes. **そうすると** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. That means learners should be able to: - recognize it in reading - understand its nuance in context - use it in simple original sentences For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for そうすると Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **そうすると**. - Write a second sentence with **そうしたら** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for そうすると To learn **そうすると** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **そうすると** with **そうしたら** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **そうすると** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [それなら](/blog/n2-sore-nara/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 to conditional](/blog/n4-to-conditional/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 tara](/blog/n4-tara/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn そうすると with Hane If you want to review **そうすると** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)