「〜というと」- Used for Explanation or Definition

Explanation

〜というと is a common grammatical structure in Japanese used to explain or define something. Its primary function is to provide a reason, speculation, or conclusion, equivalent to the Chinese phrase "说起……就是……" (when talking about... it means...). This structure is often used in conversations to ensure the listener understands the specific thing or idea the speaker is referring to.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜というと	+ Noun / Noun Phrase	This structure is used to present a reason, speculation, or conclusion, essentially defining or explaining a specific thing. It is equivalent to "when talking about... it means..." in Chinese.

Basic Usage

Grammar Connection

• Noun + 〜というと
• Noun Phrase + 〜というと

Meaning

This structure is used to present a reason, speculation, or conclusion, essentially defining or explaining a specific thing. It is equivalent to "when talking about... it means..." in Chinese.

Examples

• 鈴木すずきさんは行いけないというと、台所だいどころなどで使つかった汚よごれた水みずのことです。
• Suzuki-san wa ikenai to iu to, daidoko nado de tsukatta yogoreta mizu no koto desu.
• When Suzuki says he can't go, he's referring to the dirty water used in the kitchen, etc.
  

• 彼かれは先生せんせいというと、みんなが尊敬そんけいする人ひとだ。
• Kare wa sensei to iu to, minna ga sonkei suru hito da.
• When he talks about teachers, he means someone everyone respects.
  

• 天気予報てんきよほうによると、明日あしたは雨あめが降ふるということだ。
• Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu to iu koto da.
• According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
  

Deep Dive

Basic Concept

〜というと is widely used in both everyday conversations and written language. Its main function is to provide a definition or explanation of a concept to help the listener better understand the topic being discussed.

Advanced Usage

This structure is not limited to simple definitions; it can also be used in more complex sentences, such as explaining abstract concepts or expressing speculations and conclusions.

• Examples
  • 彼かれは成功せいこうというと、努力どりょくと忍耐にんたいの結果けっかだと考かんがえている。
  • Kare wa seikou to iu to, doryoku to nintai no kekka da to kangaeteiru.
  • When he talks about success, he believes it is the result of effort and patience.
    

• 環境問題かんきょうもんだいというのは、地球ちきゅう全体ぜんたいに影響えいきょうを与あたえる問題もんだいです。
• Kankyou mondai to iu no wa, chikyuu zentai ni eikyou o ataeru mondai desu.
• When we talk about environmental issues, we mean problems that affect the entire Earth.
  

Real-Life Scenarios

Everyday Conversations

In everyday conversations, 〜というと is often used to explain or define something to ensure the listener understands clearly.

• A：コンビニこんびにというのは何なにですか？
• A: Konbini to iu no wa nan desu ka?
• A: What do you mean by "konbini"?
  

• B：コンビニこんびにというのは、便利店べんりてんのことです。
• B: Konbini to iu no wa, benri-ten no koto desu.
• B: "Konbini" means a convenience store.
  

Classroom Teaching

In teaching scenarios, this structure is often used to explain academic concepts or technical terms.

• 先生せんせい：就活しゅうかつというのは、就職活動しゅうしょくかつどうのことです。
• Sensei: Shuukatsu to iu no wa, shuushoku katsudou no koto desu.
• Teacher: "Shuukatsu" refers to job-hunting activities.
  

Cultural Context

In Japanese, defining and explaining things is a crucial part of communication. It not only helps avoid misunderstandings but also enhances the accuracy and clarity of expression. Therefore, mastering the use of 〜というと is essential for learning and using Japanese effectively.

Summary

〜というと is a common and important grammatical structure in Japanese, used to define and explain specific things or concepts. By deeply understanding and flexibly applying this structure, you can significantly improve the accuracy and fluency of your Japanese expression.