という

という
expression
called, that says, such as
grammatical
1. called, named, known as
Introduces the name or designation of something.
田中(たなか)という人(ひと)から電話(でんわ)があった。
There was a call from someone called Tanaka.
「富士山(ふじさん)」という映画(えいが)を見(み)た。
I watched a movie called 'Mt. Fuji.'
2. that says, that ~
Quotes or paraphrases content, information, or characteristics.
会議(かいぎ)が中止(ちゅうし)になったという連絡(れんらく)が来(き)た。
I got word that the meeting was canceled.
3. such a thing as, the fact that
Emphasizes or explains a concept or situation.
ジーンズにTシャツというカジュアルな服装(ふくそう)だ。
It's a casual outfit of jeans and a T-shirt.
日本語(にほんご)を勉強(べんきょう)するという目標(もくひょう)がある。
I have a goal of studying Japanese.

という is one of the most common and versatile expressions in Japanese, combining the quotative particle と with the verb 言(い)う.

Common patterns

  • Noun + という + Noun: "a N called/named N"
  • Sentence + という + Noun: "the N that says..."
  • ということ: "the fact that..."

Common expressions

  • 〜というのは: "what ~ means is...", "~ refers to..."
  • 〜ということだ: "it means that...", "I heard that..."
  • 〜というより: "rather than..."
  • 〜といっても: "even though I say..."
  • 〜という訳(わけ)だ: "that's why..."

Usage

  • Often used to introduce unfamiliar names or terms
  • Used to explain or define concepts
  • Can soften directness when describing something

Related Words

Related: っていう (casual spoken contraction)
general
Added 2026.2.3 10:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09500/09577_toiu