〜そうに ・〜そうな

About

The auxiliary verb そう (observational そう) can be combined with the に and な particles to become an adverb/adjective.

To use そう as an adverb, attach に. ～そうに modifies the following verb.

E.g. マイクは悲かなしそうに食たべている。"Mike is eating sadly."

For negative ～そうに statements, the なさ connector must be used.

E.g. 学生がくせいじゃない > 学生がくせいじゃなさ + そうに > 学生がくせいじゃなさそうに

To use そう as an adjective, attach な. ～そうな modifies the following noun.

E.g. マイクはおいしそうなピザを探さがしています。"Mike is looking for a tasty-looking pizza."

For negative ～そうな statements, the なさ connector is often used, but technically さ should be dropped.

E.g. おいしくない > おいしくなさ > おいしくなそうな "seemingly not tasty"

Summary

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  The observational そう can be used as an adverb by attaching に

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  The observational そう can be used as an adjective by attaching な