という

that is called

The phrase 'という' is used to indicate the name of something or to quote statements or thoughts. It acts as a connector between the subject and its description.

N3

Meaning

that is called

The phrase 'という' is used to indicate the name of something or to quote statements or thoughts. It acts as a connector between the subject and its description.

Formation

Noun + という
Verb (plain form) + という
Adjective (plain form) + という

Explanation

「という」 is a versatile Japanese grammar point that can be used in various contexts. It often translates to 'that is called' or 'which is said to be' in English. The phrase is used to name objects, actions, or concepts and can be followed by a noun, verb, or adjective in its plain form.

It has many nuances, such as quoting someone or explaining what something is. For example, if someone says a specific term, you can clarify it with 'という'. Additionally, 'という' can indicate a characterization or description of someone or something.

  • Quoting statements: It is often used to cite what someone has said.
  • Clarifying names or terms: It helps in explaining what something is called.
  • Describing people or things: It can provide additional information about a noun.