How so Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhaʊ/ /ˈsoʊ

HOW SOH

UK

hˈaʊ/ /sˈəʊ

HOW SOH

Definition

Used to ask for clarification, explanation, or more details about a statement someone just made.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mainly spoken. Usually used alone as a follow-up to a surprising or unclear statement. Similar to 'What do you mean?' but softer or more curious. Do not use in formal writing or presentations.

• Spanish: ¿cómo así? - ¿de qué manera?
• Portuguese (BR): como assim? - de que forma?
• Portuguese (PT): como assim? - de que modo?
• Chinese (Simplified): 怎么说？ - 为什么？
• Chinese (Traditional): 怎麼說？ - 為什麼？
• Hindi: कैसे भला? - कैसे?
• Arabic: كيف ذلك؟ - كيف هكذا؟
• Bengali: কীভাবে - কীভাবে হলো
• Russian: Как так - Почему так
• Japanese: どうして - どういうこと
• Vietnamese: Sao vậy - Như thế nào
• Korean: 어떻게 - 어떻게 된 거야
• Turkish: Nasıl yani - Nasıl oldu
• Urdu: کیسے؟ - کیسے ہوا؟
• Indonesian: Bagaimana bisa - Kok bisa

Example Sentences

You quit your job? How so?

basic

The meeting is cancelled? How so?

basic

She said she's moving away. How so?

basic

“I'm thinking of dropping out.” “How so? What happened?”

natural

He says the project is impossible. How so?

natural

You solved it that quickly? How so?

natural