あ、そう

[clay]

First, we arrived safely in Tokyo and are happily staying in an internet friendly hotel.

Yumi, turning on the TV, saw that 麻生太郎 (Asou Tarou) became the new Prime Minister. Yumi's mother (who was in the other room) responded with an, 「あ、そう。」

It took her a few seconds to figure out why we were laughing. Even a Baba can give a good oyaji gyagu occasionally.

--
I am wondering if I should have written it as 「あっ、そう」 instead. Anyone know which is more standard?

[AJBryant]

<snicker>

[Wakannai]

I know the small tsu is used a lot in manga, so if you wanted a more manga feel then small tsu. If you wanted a more literary feel then comma.

[clay]

Native speakers may prefer a small tsu when it shows more of a surprise too. Maybe it depends more context than style.

[becki_kanou]

Clay- it seems that your whole family is just a font of 親父ギャッグ.....

I'm jealous!

[Harisenbon]

Want to start taking bets on how long this Asou will last?
We'll have another chance to use the あっそう line when he retires.

聞いた？麻生が引退した！
あっそう。