こう・そう・ああ・どう

Used to describe how something is done or how it is.

• こう – like this
• そう – like that
• ああ – like that over there
• どう – how

そう vs ああ

そう is used when:

• Responding to the listener
• Referring to something just said
• Confirming or agreeing

ああ is used when:

• Referring to something distant in space or time
• Recalling or pointing to something removed from the current situation

ああ often sounds more narrative or reflective than そう.