と言う
Called, Named, Known as, As much as
Structure
Explanation
という is formed by combining the case marking particle と with the う - Verb 言う. As a set phrase, it is almost always written using only hiragana. という connects two nouns, giving the meaning of 'the (B) called (A)', or '(B) by the name of (A)'.
- アドという歌手は人気がありますか？Is the singer named Ado popular?
- さくらというお店で待っていてください。Please wait at the shop called Sakura.
- タマという猫を見かけたら、この番号に連絡してください。If you happen to see a cat named Tama, please contact this number.
Fun Fact
という (along with the verb 言う) can be tricky, as it is often translated as 'to say'. In Japanese, however, 言う is used for information that cannot be known simply by observation. For example, by looking at a person, you can tell if they are 'tall' or 'short', but you cannot know that their name is Kenji or that they are a doctor. Because of this, という should be used to convey specific information that one wouldn't know at first glance, rather than for simple descriptions.
- さとうという名字の先生はここにいますか。Is there a teacher here with the last name of Satou? (Natural)
- ここに高いという女の人は来ませんでしたか。Did a woman known as tall come here? (Unnatural)
You may encounter (A) という (B) in sentences where (A) appears to be an 'obvious' quality. When this happens, the speaker is typically implying that there is more to (A) than what is apparent, or that their own knowledge or opinion on the matter is different.
- あの店員さんは親切というんだけど、客によって態度が違うらしいよ。That clerk is known to be kind, but I hear their attitude changes depending on the customer. (Their reputation is one thing, but the reality is another)
This particular nuance is not only for nouns, and can be seen with most other word types.
Examples
「千と千尋の神隠し」と言う映画を見たことがありますか。
Have you ever seen the movie called 'Spirited Away'?
お正月には、おせちと言う料理を食べる習慣があります。
In Japan, there's a custom of eating food known as 'osechi' for New Year's.
友情と言うものは、お金では買えない。
The thing known as friendship is something that can't be bought with money.
ポチと言う犬を飼っています。
I have a dog named 'Pochi'.
「遅刻してはいけない」と言うルールがあります。
There is a rule that says 'you must not be late'.
私は花粉症と言うアレルギーを持っています。
I have an allergy called 'kafunsho' (hay fever).
アンパンマンと言うキャラクターは子どもに大人気です。
The character known as Anpanman is very popular with children.
約束と言うものは、必ず守るべきだ。
A promise is something that should always be kept. (Things known as promises should always be kept)
あの二人が付き合っていると言ううわさは本当ですか。
Is the rumor that 'those two are dating' true?
ソニーと言う会社で働いています。
I work for a company called 'Sony'.
風邪と言う病気は冬に流行しやすい。
The illness known as the common cold spreads easily in winter.
「ありがとう」と言う言葉の意味を教えてください。
Please tell me the meaning of the word known as 'arigatou'.