と言う事
~ing, The ~ that ~ (Nominalization)
Structure
Explanation
The expression ということ is one method for nominalizing a phrase, which means to turn it into a noun clause. It is formed from the particle と, the verb 言う, and the noun こと. While it could literally be interpreted as 'the matter of saying (A)', its actual use is much more natural and less stiff than this suggests.
To use ということ, place it after a complete clause in its plain form (without です or ます). You will typically see this grammar point written entirely in hiragana.
- 明日、店は休みだということですか？Does that mean the store is closed tomorrow?
- 辛そうに見えるけど、甘いの？子供でも食べられるということだよね？It looks spicy, but it's sweet? So that means even a child can eat it, right?
- 彼がもう日本にいないということを聞きました。I heard that he is no longer in Japan.
In casual speech, という is often contracted to just って. This shortened version is extremely common and appears frequently in daily conversation, manga, and other informal contexts.
- じゃあ、私も行くってことですか？So, does that mean I'm going too?
- 財布をなくしたの？今日は払えないってこと？心配しないでね。You lost your wallet? Does that mean you can't pay today? Don't worry about it.
ということ is also commonly used to confirm or clarify something that was just mentioned. In this context, it carries a meaning similar to 'so you're saying (A)?' or 'does that mean (A)?'
- これ、無料ってこと？You mean this is free?
Caution
While it is possible to write this expression with the kanji 言う and 事, it is overwhelmingly written in hiragana. This is a common practice in Japanese for established grammatical patterns, as using hiragana helps distinguish them from their literal meanings and makes them easier to recognize.
Examples
会社を辞めるという事ですか？
Do you mean that you're quitting the company? (Phrase to noun)
二人が結婚するという事を聞きました。
I heard that the two of them are getting married. (Phrase to noun)
明日の試験は中止になったという事？
Does that mean tomorrow's exam has been canceled? (Phrase to noun)
来月からアメリカに留学するという事ですね。
So, you mean you'll be studying abroad in America starting next month? (Phrase to noun)
この仕事は今日中に終わらせなければいけないという事ですか？
Do you mean I have to finish this work by the end of today? (Phrase to noun)
彼女は何も知らないという事ですか？
Does that mean she doesn't know anything? (Phrase to noun)
つまり、私は試験に落ちたという事ですね。
So, it means I failed the exam, right? (Phrase to noun)
電車が遅れているって？じゃあ、映画に間に合わないという事？
The train is late? So, does that mean we won't make it to the movie on time? (Phrase to noun)
チケットがもう売り切れたの？コンサートに行けないという事？
The tickets are already sold out? Does that mean we can't go to the concert? (Phrase to noun)
パーティーは山田さんの家で開かれるという事ですか？
Does that mean the party will be held at Yamada-san's house? (Phrase to noun)
僕のプリンを食べたのは君だったという事？
Are you saying you were the one who ate my pudding? (Phrase to noun)
もう時間がないという事ですか？
Does that mean we're out of time? (Phrase to noun)