～という
〜to iu
JLPT N4 Neutral
Formation
Verb-casual + という, い-Adjective + という, な-Adjective + という, Noun + という
Used to quote, express hearsay or define something.
When to use
Quotes or reports something said, or defines it (～ということ, ～というのは). Position is the difference: X + という on its own reports or defines ('they say that X'), X + という + Noun names the noun that follows it (「ハリー・ポッター」という本, 'a book called Harry Potter').
Explanation
The ～という grammar point is used to quote someone's words, express something you heard or read from someone else, or define and clarify the subject. It can be translated as 'called', 'that', or 'it is said'. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.
Example sentences
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The movie has a reputation for being interesting.
Sono eiga wa omoshiroi to iu hyouban ga arimasu.
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In Japan, there is a tall mountain called Mount Fuji.
Nihon ni wa Fujisan to iu takai yama ga arimasu.
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I heard she is doing a difficult job.
Kanojo wa muzukashii shigoto o shiteiru to iu hanashi desu.
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I bought a book called 'Harry Potter' at the bookstore.
Hon'ya de 'Harry Potter' to iu hon o kaimashita.
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Yesterday, I ate a cake that is said to be delicious.
Kinou, oishii to iu keeki o tabemashita.
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He has a reputation for being very kind.
Kare wa totemo shinsetsu da to iu hyouban desu.
今年の夏、東京にある「ディズニーランド」というテーマパークに行きたいです。
I want to go to a theme park called 'Disneyland' in Tokyo this summer.
Kotoshi no natsu, Toukyou ni aru 'Disneyland' to iu teema paaku ni ikitai desu.