Structure
Phrase + ということ
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About ということ
One of the ways to perform nominalization (turning a phrase into a noun) in Japanese is through the use of the expression ということ. This grammar point is a combination of と (the particle), 言う (the verb), and こと (the noun). Together, the literal translation is close to 'that (A) is said to be'. However, in reality, it sounds far less formal than this.
To use ということ, attach it to the end of any phrase (without です, or ます). In most cases it will be written using hiragana.
To use ということ, attach it to the end of any phrase (without です, or ます). In most cases it will be written using hiragana.
- 宇宙人はいるということですか?Does that mean aliens exist?
- 一緒に住んでいるけど付き合ってはいないの?ルームメイトだということだよね?You are living together, but not dating? So that means they're your roommate, right?
- あの先生の教え方が酷いということを聞いた。I heard that the way that teacher teaches is harsh.
- これが正しいってことですか?Does that mean that this is correct?
- 車が壊れたの?電車でくるってこと?遅れないで来てね。Your car broke? Does that mean you are coming by train? Please don't be late.
- これは人工ってこと?You mean that this is man made?
Caution
Although the kanji 言う and 事 may be used in this expression, the most common form does not use any kanji at all. This is a regular occurance in Japanese, as many set grammatical structures will not use kanji, simply because it makes the pattern easier to identify.Synonyms
こと
Converting a verb into a noun
Not studied yet
という
Called, Named, Known as, As much as
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ということだ
I heard that, Rumor has it that, It is said that, It means that
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というのは
~ Known as ~ is, ~ Called ~ is, ~ Means ~, Because
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ということは
That means, That is to say
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ことなの
(A) is (Description of A), (A) means that (Description of A)
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Examples
この店は美味しいということをよく聞きます。
I often hear that this restaurant is delicious. (Phrase to noun)
私がみんなの分を払うということですか?
Do you mean I should pay for everyone? (Phrase to noun)
私が、一人でお皿を洗わなくてはいけないということですか?
Do you mean that I have to wash the dishes all by myself? (Phrase to noun)
もう別れたいということ?
It means that you want to break up? (Phrase to noun)
真面目になるということですね。
You mean that you will get serious? (Phrase to noun)
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ということ
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ということ Example Sentences with Audio
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Tobira
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Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
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ということ – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (21 in total)
KrisV70
- 一緒に住んでいるけど付き合ってはいない の?ルームメイトだということだよね?
You are living together, but not dating? That means they are a roommate, right?
The English translation makes sense but it is very outspoken in meaning.
There is a more neutral translation.
This sort of is saying that you are (just) roommatesYou are living together, but not dating? That means you are roommates, right.
This is more neutral. Here there is no shift from you to your roommate.
It is very subtle.Singular roommate focusses attention to the singled out.
plural… there is no particular focus.The first translation ( yours) you would use if a guy brags about living with a girl and you want to bring him down a little.
She is just a roommate. ( nothing more)The second translation (mine) is just a neutral observation made.
So that means you are roommates.Asher
Hi there, and thanks for getting in touch! In this case, ‘they are’ was just used in the gender neutral sense, but I agree it could definitely be a little bit more natural!
I am going to change it to -
You are living together, but not dating? So that means they’re your roommate, right?I think in this case, prolonging the ‘they are’ and adding ‘a’ made the English come off a little like an accusation. I hope this is a better translations that more closely reflects the Japanese.
Brux
Sorry for unburying this but I really just wanted to go out of the way to say how wonderful of an explanation this is for this particular grammar point.
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