How to Say "That Is" in Japanese

つまり

tsumari

The English phrase 'that is' can be translated into Japanese as つまり (tsumari).

つまり is used to mean 'in other words' or 'that is to say'. It serves to summarize a previous statement or to clarify a complex point by providing a simpler explanation.

Meaning: in other words (adv)

Which one should you use?

While words like dakara or node mean 'therefore', つまり is different because it focuses on rephrasing the same information rather than introducing a new logical consequence.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

すなわち is a more formal, written-style version of つまり and is typically used in academic or official contexts.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In the Kansai region, people often use あれや to mean 'that is'.

How do you pronounce it?

tsumari

Did you know?

Outside of its use as 'in other words', つまり is also the word for a 'clog' or 'blockage', such as a stopped-up sink.
If you use tsumari too frequently in a speech, it can sound as if you are patronizing your audience by over-simplifying things.
The word つまり is derived from the verb 詰まる, which means 'to be packed' or 'to be full'.

Examples in context

外国人の一団が江戸、つまり東京に到着した。
A group of foreigners arrived in Edo, that is to say Tokyo.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use つまり to clarify a location.
Tatoeba #236874 by mookeee, translation #1222711 by CM
進行形の文では、動詞のing形、つまり現在分詞となります。
In a progressive tense sentence it becomes the -ing form verb, that is the present participle.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use つまり to clarify a grammatical term.
Tatoeba #75170 by fcbond, translation #328549 by fcbond
それは友達の本です。
That is my friend's book.
あれは新しい車です。
That is a new car.
それは美味しいですよ。
That is delicious!
あれは日本の象徴です。
That is a symbol of Japan.
つまり、彼は来られないということですね。
Tsumari, kare wa korarenai to iu koto desu ne.
In other words, he cannot come, right?

Example conversation

Himari and Kenta are talking about a meeting time.

陽葵 Himari

明後日の正午に会いましょう。
Asatte no shōgo ni aimashō.
Let's meet at noon the day after tomorrow.
健太 Kenta

つまり、木曜日の12時ですね？
Tsumari, mokuyōbi no jū-ni-ji desu ne?
In other words, Thursday at 12 o'clock, right?
陽葵 Himari

はい、そうです。健太さん。
Hai, sō desu. Kenta-san.
Yes, that's right, Kenta.
健太 Kenta

わかりました。楽しみにしています。
Wakarimashita. Tanoshimi ni shite imasu.
I understand. I'm looking forward to it.

Sources

Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry つまり, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏

How to Say “That Is” in Japanese