といえば
Speaking of, If it were the case that
Structure
(1) と言うと、と言ったら
Explanation
と言えば, と言うと, and と言ったら are all expressions used to mean 'speaking of (A)' or 'now that you mention (A)'. While they are often interchangeable, each one carries a subtle difference in nuance.
と言えば - Best for when a topic reminds you of something else; 'Speaking of (A)...'
と言うと - Often used to confirm or clarify an association; 'When you say (A), do you mean...?'
と言ったら - Used to bring up a prime or classic example of (A); 'When it comes to (A)...'
These phrases typically follow a noun that was just mentioned in the conversation. This noun acts as a trigger, prompting the speaker to introduce a related thought, question, or comment.
- 秋と言えばやっぱり紅葉ですね！Speaking of autumn, it's all about the fall foliage, isn't it!
- 渋谷というと、あのスクランブル交差点がある場所のこと？When you say Shibuya, are you referring to the place with that scramble crossing?
- パンダ？動物園と言ったらライオンの方が人気だと思うよ。Pandas? When it comes to the zoo, I think lions are more popular, you know.
Caution
It is important to note that while these expressions link back to a topic already at hand, they are primarily used to pivot the conversation or introduce new information, rather than simply expanding on the current point.
- 旅行と言ったら温泉だよね。だから、今度の休みは箱根に行こうよ。When you think of travel, you think of hot springs, right? So for our next break, let's go to Hakone!
- 鈴木さんの犬といえば、名前は何だっけ？Speaking of Suzuki-san's dog, what was its name again?
Examples
Ａ：「来週、北海道に旅行するんだ。」
Ｂ：「北海道といえば、やっぱりラーメンとジンギスカンだね。」
A: 'I'm traveling to Hokkaido next week.'
B: 'Speaking of Hokkaido, you've got to have their ramen and grilled mutton!'
Ａ：「最近、映画を見てないなあ。」
Ｂ：「映画といえば、アカデミー賞を受賞した日本映画、もう見た？」
A: 'I haven't seen a movie recently.'
B: 'Speaking of movies, have you seen that Japanese film that won an Academy Award yet?'
Ａ：「山田さん、昨日会社を休んでいましたね。」
Ｂ：「山田さんといえば、来月結婚するそうですよ。」
A: 'Yamada-san was absent from work yesterday.'
B: 'Speaking of Yamada-san, I heard he's getting married next month.'
Ａ：「おなかすいた。何か作ろうかな。」
Ｂ：「作るといえば、昨日買った材料でカレーが作れますよ。」
A: 'I'm hungry. I wonder what I should make.'
B: 'Speaking of making something, we can make curry with the ingredients I bought yesterday.'
Ａ：「富士山に登ったことがありますか。」
Ｂ：「はい。山頂からの景色の素晴らしさといったら、一生忘れられません。」
A: 'Have you ever climbed Mt. Fuji?'
B: 'Yes. Speaking of how magnificent the view from the summit is, it's truly unforgettable.'
Ａ：「週末は友達とサッカーをします。」
Ｂ：「サッカーといえば、ワールドカップはどこが優勝すると思いますか。」
A: 'I'm playing soccer with my friends this weekend.'
B: 'Speaking of soccer, who do you think will win the World Cup?'
Ａ：「この翻訳アプリ、すごく便利ですね。」
Ｂ：「 便利なものといえば、最近のAIの進化は驚くべきですね。」
A: 'This translation app is so convenient.'
B: 'Speaking of convenient things, the recent advancements in AI are incredible, aren't they?'
Ａ：「日本のどこかに旅行したいなあ。」
Ｂ：「日本といえばやっぱり京都でしょう。お寺が美しいですよ。」
A: 'I'd love to travel somewhere in Japan.'
B: 'Speaking of Japan, you've got to go to Kyoto. Its temples are beautiful.'
Ａ：「このデパート、なんでもそろってるね。」
Ｂ：「デパートといえば、地下の食品売り場に行きませんか。おいしいケーキがあるんです。」
A: 'This department store has everything, doesn't it?'
B: 'Speaking of department stores, why don't we go to the food hall in the basement? They have delicious cakes.'
Ａ：「村上春樹の新しい小説を読んだよ。」
Ｂ：「村上春樹といえば、彼の作品は海外でも人気だと聞きました。」
A: 'I read the new Haruki Murakami novel.'
B: 'Speaking of Haruki Murakami, I heard his work is popular overseas, too.'
Ａ：「健康のために、毎朝ジョギングしてるんだ。」
Ｂ：「健康といえば、食生活も大事ですよね。」
A: 'I go jogging every morning for my health.'
B: 'Speaking of health, a balanced diet is important too, you know.'
Ａ：「今度のコンサート、すごく楽しみだな。」
Ｂ：「コンサートといえば、来月のロックフェスのチケットはもう取った？」
A: 'I'm so excited for the upcoming concert.'
B: 'Speaking of concerts, have you gotten tickets for next month's rock festival yet?'