と言う事は
That means, That is to say
Structure
Explanation
ということは is a Japanese phrase used to connect a statement to its logical conclusion or implication. Typically found in the middle of a sentence, it signals that the speaker is about to explain what the previous fact means. It can be translated as 'so, that means...', 'in other words...', or 'it follows that...'. Sentences using ということは frequently end with ということだ, though this is not a strict requirement.
If we break it down literally, the structure means something like 'the fact that (A) is... (B)'. In this sense, it takes the preceding clause (A) and uses it as the basis for a further clarification or deduction.
- 毎日残業しているということは、仕事がとても大変ってこと？You're working overtime every day. Does that mean your job is really tough?
- 店の電気が消えているということは、もう閉店したということだろう。The shop's lights are off, which means it's probably already closed for the day.
- 料理がすごく上手ということは、よく自分で作るということですか。You're a great cook. Does that mean you often cook for yourself?
ということは can also be used at the start of a sentence. This typically happens when a speaker is reacting to new information and wants to confirm what it implies, often by asking a question. In this context, it translates well as 'So, you're saying that...?' or 'In that case...'.
- 明日は休み？ということは、今夜は映画を見に行けるということだね！You have tomorrow off? So that means we can go see a movie tonight!
- 宝くじに当たったの！？ということは、もう会社を辞めてもいいってこと？！You won the lottery!? Does that mean you can quit your job now?!
Looking at its components, という defines the preceding clause, こと turns that clause into a noun ('the fact that...'), and は marks this 'fact' as the topic. Together, the phrase sets up the idea 'Regarding the fact that (A)...,' which naturally leads to the conclusion of (B).
Examples
社長の息子ということは、将来は会社を継ぐんですか？
Does the fact that you're the company president's son mean you'll take over the business in the future?
外国に住むということは、文化の違いを受け入れることだと思う。
I think that living in a foreign country means accepting cultural differences.
健康であるということは、幸せの基本です。
Being healthy—that is to say, it's the foundation of happiness.
あの店に行列ができているということは、きっとおいしいに違いない。
There's a line forming at that shop, which must mean the food is delicious.
もう電話に出ないということは、彼は怒っているということだろう。
He's not answering his phone anymore. That probably means he is angry.
飛行機が遅れています。ということは、乗り継ぎの便に間に合わないかもしれない。
The plane is delayed. This means I might not make my connecting flight.
パソコンが熱くなっているということは、そろそろ休ませたほうがいいんじゃない？
Your computer is getting hot. Doesn't that mean you should probably give it a rest soon?
山田さんが会社を辞めたって本当？ということは、誰がプロジェクトを引き継ぐの？
Is it true Yamada-san quit? In that case, who's going to take over the project?
この部屋は日当たりが良い。ということは、夏はかなり暑くなるということですね。
This room gets a lot of sun. That must mean it gets pretty hot in the summer, right?
明日は台風だ。ということは、学校は休みになるぞ！
There's a typhoon tomorrow. That means school will be cancelled!
プロであるということは、どんな状況でも最高のパフォーマンスを見せることだ。
Being a professional means that you have to give your best performance no matter the circumstances.
彼が何も言わないということは、同意しているということではない。
Just because he isn't saying anything doesn't mean he agrees.