〜という to iu

〜という（to iu）means “(a thing/person) called ~; named ~”. Links a name (N1) to the category noun (N2): 'an N2 called N1'. Formation: N1 + という + N2

(a thing/person) called ~; named ~

N4

Formation

N1 + という + N2

Explanation

Links a name (N1) to the category noun (N2): 'an N2 called N1'. Used to introduce a name the listener may not know yet — a person, place, shop, book, etc. N1 is the proper name, N2 says what kind of thing it is.

Examples

たなかというひとからでんわがありました。
たなかというひとからでんわがありました。
There was a phone call from a person called Tanaka.
えきのまえに、はなというみせがあります。
えきのまえに、はなというみせがあります。
In front of the station there's a shop called Hana.

Note

Use when the name may be unfamiliar to the listener; if both already know it, just say the name directly.

FAQ

〜という — what does it mean and how is it used?

(a thing/person) called ~; named ~. Links a name (N1) to the category noun (N2): 'an N2 called N1'. Used to introduce a name the listener may not know yet — a person, place, shop, book, etc. N1 is the proper name, N2 says what kind of thing it is.

〜という — how do you form it?

N1 + という + N2

〜という — any usage notes?

Use when the name may be unfamiliar to the listener; if both already know it, just say the name directly.

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