that is to say; in other words~ (ということは) – Japanese Grammar ということは (to iu koto wa)

Q: What JLPT level is ということは?

JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage

Q: How do you use ということは in a sentence?

Attach ということは to the appropriate verb or noun form. That is to say; in other words~

Q: Is ということは formal or casual Japanese?

ということは is typically used in formal or written Japanese contexts.

ということは

N2 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today

to iu koto wa

that is to say; in other words~

にて nite てたまらない te tamaranai 次第で shidai de よりほかない yori hoka nai てこそ te koso げ ge 得ない enai だけあって dake atte つつある tsutsu aru 中を /中では naka o /naka dewa かのように ka no you ni 一応 ichiou とか（で） toka (de) ないではいられない nai dewa irarenai か～ないかのうちに ka~nai ka no uchi ni まい mai かえって kaette からすると kara suru to につけ ni tsuke にしろ～にしろ ni shiro~ni shiro にて nite てたまらない te tamaranai 次第で shidai de よりほかない yori hoka nai てこそ te koso げ ge 得ない enai だけあって dake atte つつある tsutsu aru 中を /中では naka o /naka dewa かのように ka no you ni 一応 ichiou とか（で） toka (de) ないではいられない nai dewa irarenai か～ないかのうちに ka~nai ka no uchi ni まい mai かえって kaette からすると kara suru to につけ ni tsuke にしろ～にしろ ni shiro~ni shiro

🃏 Flashcard

ということは

to iu koto wa

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that is to say; in other words~

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📊 Pattern Stats

JLPT Level N2

Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage

Reading to iu koto wa

Post ID 51162

Patterns today 0

0 / 10 daily goal

📝 Usage Notes

that is to say; in other words~

📖 How to use it

States a conclusion or restatement from what was just said, meaning 'that is to say' or 'in other words'.

Attaches to Attaches to the end of a clause in plain form (dictionary, ない, た, or い-adjective/な-adjective/noun + だ). It follows the sentence that provides the basis, and then introduces the paraphrase or deduction.

This pattern is used when you take the information you just heard or stated and draw a logical conclusion or rephrase it more clearly. It often appears in conversations when confirming understanding or summarizing. The phrase ということは literally means 'the fact that...' and the 'は' marks it as the topic, so you are saying 'as for that fact, it means...'. It can sound a bit analytical, so it's common in discussions, explanations, or when you're thinking out loud.

For example, if someone says they missed the last train, you might reply 'ということは、今日は帰れないね' meaning 'that means you can't go home today.' It's not just a simple 'so'—it emphasizes the logical step you're taking. You can also use it to restate something in simpler words: '彼は無職だ。ということは、時間はあるということだ' ('He's unemployed. In other words, he has time.')

明日は雨らしい。ということは、運動会は延期だね。

Ashita wa ame rashii. To iu koto wa, undōkai wa enki da ne.

It seems it will rain tomorrow. That means the sports day will be postponed.

彼は毎日ジムに行っている。ということは、かなり真面目なんだろう。

Kare wa mainichi jimu ni itte iru. To iu koto wa, kanari majime na n darō.

He goes to the gym every day. In other words, he must be quite serious.

この料理は辛くない。ということは、子どもでも食べられるね。

Kono ryōri wa karakunai. To iu koto wa, kodomo demo taberareru ne.

This dish isn't spicy. That is to say, even kids can eat it.

Not というとというと also means 'speaking of' or 'if you say that', but it is used to ask for clarification or to respond to a specific word, not to draw a conclusion. For example, if someone says '日本料理が好きです', you might ask 'というと、寿司が好きなんですか？' (If you say that, do you like sushi?) — it seeks confirmation about a specific point, while ということは states a broader inference.

Register Neutral but slightly formal; common in spoken conversation for logical reasoning, and also used in writing. Not rude, but can sound a bit intellectual if overused in casual chat.

🎯 Quick Quiz

What does this grammar pattern mean or do?

ということは

📚 How to Master This Pattern

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Say It Aloud

Press Hear it and repeat ということは three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.

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Flip Before Reading

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Write Two Sentences

Compose two original sentences using ということは. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.

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Spaced Review

Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.

🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns

something like; something called~

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the grammar pattern ということは mean? ▼

That is to say; in other words~

What JLPT level is ということは? ▼

Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.

How do you use ということは in a sentence? ▼

Attach ということは (to iu koto wa) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.

Is ということは formal or casual Japanese? ▼

ということは is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.

How can I remember ということは long-term? ▼

Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.