ということは

ということは
expression
that means; which is to say; so in other words
grammaticalcognition
1. that means; so; which is to say
Used at the head of a sentence to draw a conclusion from what was just said or noticed. The speaker is working out an implication aloud, often with a note of realization.
ということは、もう終(お)わったの。
So that means it's already over?
電気(でんき)が消(き)えている。ということは、まだ帰(かえ)っていないんだ。
The lights are off. That means she isn't home yet.
返事(へんじ)が三日(みっか)も来(こ)ない。ということは、断(ことわ)られたと考(かんが)えたほうがよさそうだ。
There's been no reply for three days. That means I'd better assume I've been turned down.
2. the fact that ~ (means)
Placed after a clause to turn it into the topic — "the fact that X" — with the sentence then stating what that fact shows or entails.
約束(やくそく)を守(まも)らないということは、信用(しんよう)できないということだ。
Not keeping promises means you can't be trusted.
値段(ねだん)が安(やす)いということは、それだけの理由(りゆう)があるということだ。
The fact that it's cheap means there's a reason for it.
誰(だれ)も反対(はんたい)しなかったということは、全員(ぜんいん)が内容(ないよう)を理解(りかい)していたということにはならない。
The fact that no one objected does not mean that everyone understood the content.

という (言(い)う, quotative) + こと (fact, matter) + は (topic): "as for the fact that ~."

Common patterns

  • ということは、〜ということだ: that means that ~
  • ということは、〜ね: so ~, right? (checking a conclusion)
  • 〜ということは〜にはならない: the fact that ~ does not mean ~

Similar words

  • つまり: in other words — restates the same content more plainly rather than deducing something new
  • だとすると: if that is the case — flags the conclusion as provisional; ということは sounds more certain
  • すなわち: namely, that is — formal and written

Related Words

Compare: つまり (in other words)
Compare: だとすると (if that is the case)
Compare: すなわち (namely, that is)
Compare: てことは (so that means, in other words)
general
Added 2026.8.16 15:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
30500/30686_toiukotoha