Processing keyword: ～ということだ (〜to iu koto da)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ということだ (〜to iu koto da)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ということだ (〜to iu koto da) is a versatile expression in Japanese that is used to:

• Convey hearsay or reported speech ("I've heard that...", "They say that...")
• Summarize or explain something ("In other words...", "It means that...") Understanding how to use ～ということだ will enhance your ability to report information and clarify meanings in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

1. Hearsay / Reported Speech: Used to convey information you have heard from others.
   • "They say that...", "I've heard that..."
2. Explanation / Summary: Used to explain or summarize what something means.
   • "In other words...", "That means..."

Structure

Hearsay Usage

[Phrase in plain form] + ということだ

• Verb (plain form): 食べるということだ
• い-adjective: 美味しいということだ
• な-adjective with だ: 便利だということだ
• Noun with だ: 学生だということだ

Explanation/Summary Usage

[Phrase or situation] + ということだ

• Used to restate or clarify information.

Formation Diagram

Part	Function
Sentence in plain form	The information being reported or explained
ということだ	Indicates hearsay or summarizes meaning

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3. Comparative Analysis

Grammar Point	Usage	Example
～そうだ (～sou da)	Hearsay (based on what you've heard)	雨が降るそうだ (I heard it will rain)
～らしい (～rashii)	It seems (based on indirect evidence)	彼は忙しいらしい (It seems he is busy)
～ということだ (～to iu koto da)	Hearsay or explanation/summarization	試験は難しいということだ (They say the exam is difficult)
Note: While ～そうだ and ～ということだ can both indicate hearsay, ～ということだ often implies the information is more reliable or comes from a specific source.

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4. Examples in Context

Hearsay / Reported Speech Examples

1. Formal - Written

   大統領は来月訪日するということです。
   *Daitōryō wa raigetsu hōnichi suru to iu koto desu.*
   *(They say that) The President will visit Japan next month.*
   

2. Informal - Spoken

   あの店は閉店するということだよ。
   *Ano mise wa heiten suru to iu koto da yo.*
   *(I heard that) That store is closing down.*
   

Explanation / Summary Examples

1. Clarifying Information

   要するに、参加できないということですね。
   *Yōsuruni, sanka dekinai to iu koto desu ne.*
   *In other words, it means you cannot participate, right?*
   

2. Summarizing a Situation

   彼は忙しくて来られないということだ。
   *Kare wa isogashikute korarenai to iu koto da.*
   *It means he is busy and cannot come.*
   

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• Using ということです (adding です) makes the expression more polite and is suitable for formal situations.
• In casual conversations, ということだ is acceptable among friends or peers.

Idiomatic Expressions

• なるほど、そういうことか。
  • Naruhodo, sō iu koto ka.
  • Ah, I see; that's how it is. This phrase is often used when one finally understands something after it has been explained.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with そうだ
   • Incorrect: 彼は来ないそうだということだ。
   • Correct: 彼は来ないということだ。 Avoid using both そうだ and ということだ together for hearsay.
2. Using the Wrong Form
   • Incorrect: 難しいだということだ。
   • Correct: 難しいということだ。 Do not add だ after い-adjectives before ということだ.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "ということだ" as wrapping someone's words or a situation into a package that you are delivering to someone else.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ということだ is used for hearsay and explanations.
• Attach it to the plain form of verbs and adjectives.
• Be mindful of the formality level; add です for politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express hearsay using ～ということだ?
   • Attach ということだ to the plain form of the verb/adjective/noun.
2. Translate using ～ということだ:
   • "I heard that the meeting is canceled."

     会議は中止になったということだ。
     *Kaigi wa chūshi ni natta to iu koto da.*
     

3. True or False: You can use ～ということだ to summarize a situation.
   • True

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By mastering ～ということだ, you'll improve your ability to convey information and clarify meanings, enhancing your overall communication skills in Japanese.

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