JLPT N5 Grammar という | Meaning, Usage, Examples & Practice (Called ~ / That ~ / So-called ~)

JLPT N5 Grammar: という

Called ~ / That ~ / So-called ~ – Explain names and reasons clearly

JLPT N5 文法 という 解説

Looking for the meaning of という for JLPT N5? This complete guide explains how to use this useful grammar to say “called ~”, “that ~”, or “so-called ~”.

🚀 Quick JLPT N5 Warm-up Quiz (Think 5 seconds!)

Q1: How do you say “the city called Tokyo”?
A. 東京の都市
B. 東京という都市

Answer: B

Quick Summary

Grammar Point
という
Meaning
Called ~ / That ~ / So-called ~
Usage
Noun + という + Noun
Example

The city called Tokyo
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What does という mean?

という (To iu) is a very useful JLPT N5 grammar used to explain or quote names, titles, reasons, or content. It connects two nouns and means “called ~”, “that ~”, or “so-called ~”.

Learn it properly with Anup Sensei at Gogaku Language & Training Center in Pokhara.

How to Pronounce という

Pronunciation: to iu (と・いう)

Examples & Mini Dialogue


The city called Tokyo

The person called teacher

The story that the exam is difficult
Mini Dialogue
A: 東京という都市に行ったことがありますか？
B: はい、あります。

When to Use という in Real Japan

  • Explaining names of places or people
  • Quoting what someone said
  • Describing reasons or rumors
  • Introducing titles or nicknames

Common Mistakes

✕ 東京の都市
✓ 東京という都市

JLPT N5 Practice Questions

1. “The city called Kyoto”

  • A. 京都の都市
  • B. 京都という都市
Show AnswerCorrect: B
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About the Instructor

This lesson is taught by Anup Sensei, an experienced Japanese language instructor at Gogaku Language & Training Center in Pokhara. He has studied and worked in Japan and specializes in practical JLPT preparation and real-life communication skills.

JLPT N5 Polite Expressions Cluster
→ Full JLPT N5 Grammar Hub
すみません | 失礼します | どうぞ | ですね | ほしいです | ～ませんか | ～ましょう | という

Frequently Asked Questions

What does という mean?

It means “called ~”, “that ~”, or “so-called ~” – used to explain names, titles, or reasons.

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