When learning Japanese, introducing people is usually taught first.
But what about introducing things?

In Japanese, there’s a very natural and useful pattern for introducing an object by name.
This pattern is:

Name + という + Item

Let’s break it down and see how it works.

🔹 What does 「という」mean?

という comes from the verb 言いう, meaning “to say” or “to be called.”
In this structure, it works like:

• “called…”
• “named…”
• “known as…”

So when you say Name という Item, you’re saying:

“An item called Name”

🔹 Basic Structure

[Name] + という + [Item / Category]

🔹 Example Sentences

📱 これは iPhone という スマートフォンです。
This is a smartphone called an iPhone.

🍫 ポッキーという お菓子かしが 好すきです。
I like a snack called Pocky.

🏯 清水寺きよみずでらという お寺てらは 京都きょうとに あります。
There is a temple called Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.

🎮 スプラトゥーンという ゲームを 知しっていますか？
Do you know a game called Splatoon?

🔹 When should you use this pattern?

You use 〜という when:

• Introducing something for the first time
• Explaining what something is
• Assuming the listener may not know it yet

It’s very common in:

• Explanations
• Presentations
• Casual conversations
• Writing and blogs

🔹 Similar Pattern: 「〜っていう」

In casual speech, という often becomes っていう.

🥚 オムライスっていう 食たべ物もの、好すき？
Do you like a food called omurice (Japanese omelet rice)?

This is very common in everyday conversation.

✨ Summary

Using 〜という helps you explain and introduce things clearly and naturally in Japanese.

If you want to sound more fluent and confident, this is a pattern you’ll use again and again!

If you want to learn Japanese, improve your skills, or connect with native speakers and other learners, we can help. We offer one-on-one lessons, a supportive community, and on demand courses.

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