Learning how to express the concept of “something is called something” in Japanese is a crucial part of expanding your language skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, this guide aims to provide you with comprehensive tips, examples, and regional variations to help you master this useful expression. We will explore both formal and informal ways of conveying this idea, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of its usage.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
In formal situations, Japanese language etiquette plays a significant role. When you want to express that something is called something else in a polite manner, you can use the following phrases:
1.1. ということです (to iu koto desu)
This phrase is often used in formal settings to indicate something is called a specific name or term. The formula is as follows:
Object A + ということです + Object B
For example:
サッカー (sakkaa) + ということです + フットボールです (futtobooru desu)
Football is called soccer.
1.2. と言います (to iimasu)
To express the same meaning more formally, you can use the phrase “と言います” which translates to “it is called.” The structure of the sentence is as follows:
Object B + と言います + Object A
For example:
にんじん (ninjin) + と言います + キャロットです (kyarotto desu)
Carrot is called “ninjin” in Japanese.
2. Informal Expressions
In everyday conversations or informal situations, you can use more casual expressions to convey the same idea. Here are two commonly used informal phrases in Japanese:
2.1. っていう (tte iu)
The phrase “っていう” is an informal contraction of “という” and is frequently used in spoken language. The structure is as follows:
Object A + っていう + Object B
For example:
この花は (kono hana wa) + っていう + チューリップです (chuurippu desu)
This flower is called a tulip.
2.2. って言うの (tte iu no)
This expression is commonly used in informal conversations to mean “called” or “known as.” The structure is slightly different from the previous one:
Object B + って言うの + Object A
For example:
パンダ (panda) + って言うの + ジャイアントパンダです (jaiantopanda desu)
The giant panda is called “panda.”
3. Tips for Usage
3.1. List Examples
One effective way to remember these expressions is by listing various examples. Create a list of things, animals, or terms you want to learn how to say they are called in Japanese. Go through the examples regularly to reinforce your vocabulary.
3.2. Practice Speaking and Writing
Take every opportunity to practice speaking and writing Japanese using these expressions. The more you use them, the more comfortable you will become in incorporating them into your everyday language skills.
3.3. Be Mindful of Context
Like any language, Japanese expressions can vary based on the context. Pay attention to the situation you are in and adapt your choice of formal or informal expressions accordingly. When in doubt, it is generally safer to lean towards more formal speech.
3.4. Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken in different regions, and each region may have its own unique vocabulary or dialect variations. While the examples provided in this guide are standard Japanese, keep in mind that some variations may exist when conversing with individuals from specific regions.
Conclusion
Learning how to say something is called something in Japanese is a valuable skill that enhances your language capabilities. In formal situations, phrases like “ということです” and “と言います” are commonly used, while informal conversations often employ expressions like “っていう” and “って言うの”. Remember to practice regularly, create vocabulary lists, and adapt your speech based on the context. By incorporating these expressions into your Japanese repertoire, you will gain a deeper understanding of the language and be better equipped for engaging conversations.
