と言うのは
~ Known as ~ is, ~ Called ~ is, ~ Means ~, Because
Structure
(1) とは、って
(2) (Reason) Phrase
Explanation
The phrase というのは is formed from the quotation particle と, the verb 言う, and the topic-marking nominalizer のは. It is commonly used to mean 'as for what's called ~', 'when we talk about ~', or simply 'the meaning of ~ is ~'. Fundamentally, というのは nominalizes a preceding word or phrase (A), setting it up as a topic to be explained. The following part of the sentence (B) then provides a definition or a reason related to (A).
To form a sentence with というのは, simply place it after the word or phrase you wish to define or explain '(A)'. Then, complete the sentence with the explanation itself '(B)'.
- 友情というのは、大切にしないとすぐに壊れてしまう。Friendship, as a concept, will fall apart quickly if you don't cherish it.
- 先生というのは、生徒に勉強を教えるのが仕事です。A teacher, by definition, is someone whose job is to teach students.
Caution
When は is replaced by the particle も, forming というのも, the nuance changes from defining a topic to providing a reason. While というのは is used for factual definitions or to introduce a topic for discussion, というのも explains the 'why' behind a preceding statement. It can also suggest that the reason (B) is just as important as the initial statement (A).
- 今日は早く帰らないと。というのも、母の誕生日だからだ。I have to go home early today. That's because it's my mom's birthday.
- 最近、とても疲れている。というのも、毎日残業しているからだ。I've been so exhausted lately. The reason for this is that I've been working overtime every day.
Caution
Occasionally, というのは will appear at the start of a sentence to elaborate on a point made previously. In this usage, it functions like 'in other words, ~', 'the reason for that is, ~', or 'to be more specific, ~', adding clarification or justification.
- ペットを飼うなら、責任を持たなければいけません。というのは、ペットも家族の一員だからです。If you're going to own a pet, you have to be responsible. That's because a pet is also a member of the family.
- あなたを怒らせるつもりはありませんでした。というのは、ただ正直な意見を伝えたかっただけなのです。I didn't intend to make you angry. What I mean is, I simply wanted to share my honest opinion.
Caution
In everyday conversation, というのは is often shortened to とは or, more casually, to って. While these forms can be tricky to catch in spoken Japanese, the underlying pattern of '(A) is being defined or explained by (B)' generally remains the same.
- 人生とはなんですか。What is the meaning of life?
- これが全部無料とは信じられない。I can't believe all of this is free. (The idea of this being free is just unbelievable)
- 青春ってあっという間に終わるよね。Youth (the thing we call youth) is over in a flash, isn't it?
- 宿題って本当に意味があるのか。Is homework actually meaningful? (This thing called homework)
Examples
友情というのは、かけがえのない宝物です。
(The thing called) Friendship is an irreplaceable treasure.
青春というのは短くて輝かしいものだな。
(The thing known as) Youth is such a short and brilliant thing, isn't it?
学ぶというのは一生続くことだ。
(The act of) learning is something that continues for a lifetime.
動物というのは癒されるものだな。
(The thing known as) Animals are so soothing, aren't they?
噂というのはあっという間に広まるものだ。
(The thing known as) A rumor is something that spreads in the blink of an eye.
コンビニというのは、コンビニエンスストアの略だ。
Konbini is short for convenience store.
(the thing called... is)
首都というのは、その国の中心となる都市。
A capital city means the central city of that country.
(the thing called... is)
インターネットというのは、便利でもあり、危険でもある。
(The thing known as) The internet is both convenient and dangerous.
記憶というのは時間とともに薄れていくものだ。
(The thing known as) Memory is something that fades over time.
「また今度」というのは結局、断っているということなの？
When you say 'maybe next time', do you really mean you're turning me down?
(the thing called... is)
先生というのはいつでも生徒の未来を考えるものだ。
(Those who are known as) Teachers are people who always think about their students' futures.
健康というのは、何にも代えがたい財産だ。
(The thing known as) Health is an asset more valuable than anything else.