Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~という (〜to iu)

~という (〜to iu)

Short explanation:

Used for quoting, defining or giving an example; 'called', 'that is to say', 'like'.

Formation:

Noun + という + Noun, Verb-casual + という + Noun, い-Adjective + という + Noun, な-Adjective + という + Noun

Examples:

本屋で「ハリー・ポッター」という本を買いました。
Hon'ya de 'Harry Potter' to iu hon o kaimashita.
I bought a book called 'Harry Potter' at the bookstore.
昨日、美味しいというケーキを食べました。
Kino, oishii to iu keeki o tabemashita.
Yesterday, I ate a cake that is said to be delicious.
彼はとても親切だという評判です。
Kare wa totemo shinsetsu da to iu hyouban desu.
He has a reputation for being very kind.
今年の夏、東京にある「ディズニーランド」というテーマパークに行きたいです。
Kotoshi no natsu, Toukyou ni aru 'Disneyland' to iu teema paaku ni ikitai desu.
I want to go to a theme park called 'Disneyland' in Tokyo this summer.

Long explanation:

The ~という grammar point is used to quote, define or give an example of something. It can be translated as 'called', 'that is to say', or 'like' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~という (〜to iu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~という (〜to iu)

~という (〜to iu)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~という (〜to iu) is a versatile expression in Japanese that is commonly used to:

  • Indicate names or titles
  • Define or explain concepts
  • Report hearsay or convey information
  • Emphasize a statement Understanding how to use ~という will enhance your ability to describe, explain, and report information accurately in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~という translates to "called...", "named...", "that...", or "which is...". It combines the quotation particle with the verb 言う (いう), meaning "to say" or "to call".

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Phrase/Word/Clause] + という + Noun/Concept
  • [Phrase/Word/Clause]: The content being referred to (can be a word, phrase, or full clause)
  • という: Quotation particle + verb 言う (いう)
  • Noun/Concept: The noun or concept being described or explained

Detailed Explanation

1. Indicating Names or Titles

Used to express "called..." or "named..." Example:

  • 「かぐや姫」という物語
    A story called "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" Usage:
[Name/Title] という [Noun]

2. Defining or Explaining Concepts

Used to define or explain the meaning of a word or concept. Example:

  • 「一期一会」という言葉は大切な出会いを意味します。
    The phrase "ichigo ichie" means a precious encounter. Usage:
[Word/Phrase] という [Word/Concept] は [Explanation]

3. Reporting Hearsay or Information

Used to convey what someone said or information heard. Example:

  • 彼は来週日本に行くという。
    They say he is going to Japan next week. Usage:
[Clause] という

4. Emphasizing a Statement

Used to emphasize or bring attention to a particular statement or fact. Example:

  • 彼が犯人だということが分かった。
    It turned out that he is the culprit. Usage:
[Clause] ということ/の

Visual Aid: Examples Table

Usage Structure Example Translation
Name/Title 「X」というY 「浦島太郎」という物語 A story called "Urashima Taro"
Definition 「X」というY は Z 「生け花」という趣味は花を使った日本の伝統芸術です。 The hobby called "ikebana" is...
Reporting Hearsay Sentence + という 明日は雨が降るという。 They say it will rain tomorrow.
Emphasis Sentence + ということ/の 健康が大切だということを忘れないでください。 Please don't forget that health is important.

3. Comparative Analysis

~という vs. ~と

  • ~という includes the verb 言う, explicitly stating "to say" or "to call".
  • ~と is the quotation particle alone. Example:
  • 彼は「行かない」と言った。
    He said, "I won't go."
    (Direct quote using + 言う)

~という vs. ~っていう

  • ~っていう is a colloquial contraction of ~という used in casual speech.
  • ~って can stand alone in very casual contexts. Example:
  • 「花見」っていうイベントに行きたい。
    I want to go to an event called "Hanami".

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 「日本語能力試験」という試験を受けます。
    I will take an exam called the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test".
  2. これは古代の芸術というものです。
    This is what is called ancient art.

Informal Context

  1. 「ポケモン」っていうゲーム知ってる?
    Do you know a game called "Pokemon"?
  2. 田中さんは明日来ないという話だ。
    There's talk that Tanaka-san won't come tomorrow.

Written Context

  1. 科学者たちは新しい惑星を発見したという。
    It is said that scientists have discovered a new planet.
  2. この本は「世界史」というタイトルです。
    This book has the title "World History".

Spoken Context

  1. 映画がただで見られるというのは本当?
    Is it true that we can watch movies for free?
  2. 彼が結婚するという噂を聞いた。
    I heard a rumor that he's getting married.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, indirect communication is often preferred. Using ~という allows speakers to present information softly or attribute it to a source, which aligns with the cultural emphasis on harmony and modesty.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • Plain Form: ~という
    Used in everyday casual conversations.
  • Polite Form: ~といいます/~といわれています
    Used in formal settings or when showing respect. Example:
  • これは何といいますか。
    What is this called?

Idiomatic Expressions

  1. 「時は金なり」ということわざがあります。
    There is a proverb that says "Time is money".
  2. 「塵も積もれば山となる」という諺を知っていますか。
    Do you know the saying "Even dust piled up becomes a mountain"?

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Forgetting the Quotation Particle と
    • Incorrect: 「花」いうお店で働いています。
    • Correct: 「花」というお店で働いています。
      I work at a shop called "Hana".
  2. Misusing in Reporting Speech
    • Incorrect: 彼は来るという。 (When the context requires a verb after という)
    • Correct: 彼は来ると言いました
      He said he is coming.
  3. Overusing in Formal Writing
    • In formal writing, overusing colloquial forms like ~っていう can be inappropriate.

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the Role of と: It's a quotation particle; use it whenever quoting or naming.
  • Practice with Real Examples: Read Japanese articles or books, and pay attention to how ~という is used.
  • Use Mnemonics: Associate という with "to you" to remember it conveys information "to you".

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~という is used to indicate names, explain concepts, report hearsay, and emphasize statements.
  • It combines (quotation particle) and 言う (to say).
  • Can be adapted for formal and informal contexts.
  • Be mindful of the context to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 彼は「先生」___人です。 a) と
    b) という
    c) って
  2. True or False: ~という can be used to report what someone heard from others.
  3. Choose the correct usage: a) 「桜」という花が好きです。
    b) 「桜」いう花が好きです。 Answers:
  4. b) という
  5. True
  6. a) 「桜」という花が好きです。

By mastering ~という, you will improve your ability to describe and discuss various topics in Japanese with greater clarity and nuance.

Feel free to revisit this guide and practice using ~という in your daily conversations and writing!

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