と言う
Every single, Each and every, Emphasis, Everything that could be called
Structure
Explanation
The ubiquitous Japanese structure という can be used to link two identical nouns, creating the sense of 'every single (A)'. While it often serves as simple emphasis, its core meaning is 'every (B) that can be considered an (A)'.
This pattern is formed by placing という between two instances of the same noun.
- 台風のせいで、家の窓という窓が全部割れてしまった。Because of the typhoon, every single window in the house was smashed.
- パーティーでは、テーブルの皿という皿に美味しそうな料理が山盛りにされていた。At the party, every single plate on the table was piled high with delicious-looking food.
- 有名人が来ると聞いて、この商店街の店という店は人でいっぱいになった。Hearing that a celebrity was coming, every single shop in this shopping district became packed with people.
Caution
When this grammar is used with abstract concepts like 今日 'today', the meaning shifts to '(A) of all (A)s'. This suggests that 'out of all things that could be called (A), this one is particularly noteworthy.' The reason for its significance is usually stated right after.
- 今年という今年は、必ず試験に合格してみせる。I'll definitely pass the exam this year of all years!
- 前回は失敗したが、今回という今回は同じ間違いはしないぞ。I failed last time, but I swear I won't make the same mistake this time.
Examples
「今回という今回だけは、見逃してやる。」
'I'll let it slide just this ONCE.' (emphasis)
この商店街の店という店は、彼の子供の頃からずっとある。
Each and every shop in this shopping arcade has been here since he was a child.
彼は大の読書家で、図書館にある本という本は読み尽くしたそうだ。
He's such an avid reader, they say he's read every single book in the library.
大掃除で、家の部屋という部屋をピカピカに磨いた。
During the big clean-up, I polished each and every room in the house until it was sparkling.
パーティーの後、山のように積まれた皿という皿を洗わなければならなかった。
After the party, I had to wash every single plate that was piled up like a mountain.
この庭園の花という花は、春になると一斉に咲き誇る。
When spring comes, every single flower in this garden blooms all at once in full glory.
ワールドカップでは、選手という選手が国の誇りをかけて戦った。
At the World Cup, each and every player fought with the pride of their country on the line.
不景気の影響で、この地域の企業という企業が経営に苦しんでいる。
Due to the effects of the recession, every single company in this region is struggling to stay in business.
泥棒は家の隅という隅まで探したようだ。
It looks like the thief searched every single corner of the house.
夏祭りには、子供という子供が浴衣を着て集まってきた。
For the summer festival, every single child gathered around wearing a yukata.
あのデパートは閉店セールで、商品という商品が割引になっていた。
For their closing sale, that department store discounted each and every one of its products.
休暇中、この街の観光地という観光地を訪れた。
During my vacation, I visited every single tourist spot in this city.