というのは
🃏 Flashcard
というのは
to iu nowa
Tap to reveal usage
this means~; because~; that is to say
N3
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N3
Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast
Reading
to iu nowa
Post ID
50952
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
this means~; because~; that is to say
📖 How to use it
Explains a term by defining it, or gives a reason for a statement.
Attaches to
Attach to a clause ending in a plain form (dictionary form, plain past, or noun + だ). For nouns, use というのは after the noun without だ.
というのは is used in two main ways. First, it introduces a definition or explanation of a term that was just mentioned. You state the topic, add というのは, and then explain what it means. This is common in casual conversation and writing. Second, it can introduce a reason or cause for something that was said before, similar to 'because'. In this case, the sentence before というのは states a fact or situation, and the part after gives the reason or background.
「ああ、そういうのは『サボる』というのは、仕事を怠けることだよ。」
"Aa, sou iu no wa 'saboru' to iu nowa, shigoto wo namakeru koto da yo."
Oh, 'saboru' means to slack off at work.
彼が来なかったというのは、電車が止まったからだ。
Kare ga konakatta to iu nowa, densha ga tomatta kara da.
The reason he didn't come is because the train was stopped.
日本語を勉強するというのは、毎日続けることが大切だ。
Nihongo wo benkyou suru to iu nowa, mainichi tsuzukeru koto ga taisetsu da.
As for studying Japanese, it's important to keep at it every day.
Not というと
というと is used to respond to a word or topic and means 'speaking of which' or 'if you say that', often leading to a related thought. というのは defines or explains the term itself or gives a reason.
Register
Neutral; used in both spoken and written Japanese, but in formal writing, とは is more common.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
というのは
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat というのは three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using というのは. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N3 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern というのは mean?
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This means~; because~; that is to say
What JLPT level is というのは?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N3 — Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use というのは in a sentence?
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Attach というのは (to iu nowa) 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 というのは formal or casual Japanese?
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というのは is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember というのは long-term?
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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.