そうするとsou suru to“if so; then”

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

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

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.

Nuance of そうすると

The key nuance is show the result that follows from an action or situation.

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

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

Practice questions for そうすると

• 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.
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 — if that’s the case.
• n4 to conditional — when; if; naturally results.
• n4 tara — if; when; after.

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
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons