Search pages and navigate
called; named
Definition
The grammar pattern '～という (to iu)' is used to define or identify a noun by its name or what it is called. It is often used when introducing something the listener might not know. This pattern is a polite way of referring to something, and it can be used in various situations, such as introducing a new food, a person, or a place. The nuance of this pattern is to provide additional information about the noun, making it clear what it is or what it refers to.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + という | 納豆という食べ物が好きです |
| Name | Name + という | 田中さんという人は、大学の教授です |
| Title | Title + という | 新しい映画の監督というのは、有名な監督です |
Examples
これは、納豆という食べ物です。
kore wa, nattou to iu tabemono desu.
This is a type of natto.
これは (this is) + 納豆という (natto called) + 食べ物です (food)
田中さんという人は、大学の教授です。
tanaka-san to iu hito wa, daigaku no kyōju desu.
Mr. Tanaka is a professor at the university.
田中さんという (Mr. Tanaka called) + 人は (person) + 大学の教授です (university professor)
ひらがなで「ありがとう」という文字を書きました。
hiragana de, arigatou to iu moji o kakimashita.
I wrote the characters 'arigatou' in hiragana.
ひらがなで (in hiragana) + 「ありがとう」という (arigatou called) + 文字を (characters) + 書きました (wrote)
この店は、名古屋の名産品というものを売っています。
kono mise wa, nagoya no meisanhin to iu mono o uru desu.
This store sells Nagoya's specialty products.
この店は (this store) + 名古屋の名産品という (Nagoya's specialty called) +ものを (things) + 売っています (sell)
彼女は、フランス語という言語を勉強しています。
kare wa, furansugo to iu gengo o benkyō shite imasu.
She is studying the French language.
彼女は (she) + フランス語という (French language called) + 言語を (language) + 勉強しています (study)
Context
This pattern is used to provide additional information about a noun, making it clear what it is or what it refers to. It is often used in formal or polite situations, such as introducing a new food, a person, or a place. The nuance of this pattern is to provide more information about the noun, making it clear what it is or what it refers to.
Watch out
The verb 'iu' (to say) is used to express what someone says, whereas 'to iu' is used to define or identify a noun. Make sure to use the correct pattern to avoid confusion.
The pattern '～という' is used to define or identify a noun, whereas 'ni tsuite' is used to express 'about'. Make sure to use the correct pattern to avoid confusion.
This pattern requires the inclusion of the noun after 'to iu'. Make sure to include the noun to avoid grammatical errors.
Strategy
Pay attention to the nuance of this pattern, which is to provide additional information about a noun. Make sure to use the correct pattern and include the noun after 'to iu'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～という (to iu) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
これは、「納豆」という食べ物です。
Pattern used: という
'To iu' is used to define the name of the food.
田中さんという人から、電話がありましたよ。
Pattern used: という
Used when referring to a person by name, especially if they are unfamiliar.
ひらがなで「ありがとう」という文字を書きました。
Pattern used: という
Identifies the specific letters/phrase being referred to.
Interactive
これは、「納豆」______食べ物です。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.