Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Learn to iu koto da for summarizing ("that means") and hearsay ("I heard that").
- Form and connection: [Plain form] ということだ
- Nuance in real use: ということだ is an important relay station in Japanese information flow — it can mark either the source of information (hearsay) or its meaning (summary). In this expression, Japanese packages "source" and "meaning" together.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Learn to iu koto da for summarizing ("that means") and hearsay ("I heard that").
Cultural Note
Practical examples
Common pitfalls
Build the base form before adding the pattern
Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.
Match politeness to the situation
The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.
Practice and answers
Show answer
[Plain form] ということだShow answer
He's quitting next month — that means he's leaving the company.Show answer
彼女かのじょが来こないということだから、始はじめましょう。 ([Plain form] ということだ)Continue learning
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