Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Learn the three uses of to iu: naming, content description, and hearsay.
- Form and connection: [NounA] という [NounB]
- Nuance in real use: という is the grammar of naming in Japanese — when you link two words with という, you're labeling the world. In Japanese culture, naming things (nazukeru) is an act full of ritual significance.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Learn the three uses of to iu: naming, content description, and hearsay.
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
[NounA] という [NounB]Show answer
Do you know the flower called sakura?Show answer
彼かれは来こないということだ。 ([NounA] という [NounB])Continue learning
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