Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
Want to say “a city called Melbourne,” “a friend named John,” or “an anime called Doraemon”?
Use N1 という N2. This beginner-friendly pattern lets you label or introduce people, places, and things by name or title. It’s especially useful when the listener may not know N1 yet.
1. Meaning & When to Use It
The Japanese grammatical pattern N1というN2 is used to indicate that N2 is called or named N1. It’s a way of linking two nouns, with the first noun (N1) describing or specifying the second noun (N2). It is often used to introduce or refer to someone or something by its name, title, or designation.
Use it when:
- you introduce something the listener may not recognize, or
- you identify/clarify what N1 is.
Examples
- メルボルンという街から来ました。(meruborun to iu machi kara kimashita) = I came from a city called Melbourne.
- 子どもの時、ドラえもんというアニメが好きでした。(kodomono toki doraemon to iu anime ga suki deshita) = When I was a kid, I liked the anime called Doraemon.
Pro Tip: When NOT to use to iu
Just as という (to iu) is useful for introducing new information, it can sound a little unnatural if N1 is something the listener obviously knows.
For example, if you’re in Japan and say “東京という町に住んでいます” (Tokyo to iu machi ni sundeimasu, I live in the city of Tokyo) to Japanese people, it might sound strange because everyone knows Tokyo.
2. Structure & How to Form It
To use the N1というN2 pattern, you simply need to place the という between two nouns, with N1 describing or specifying N2.
- N1: 本田さん (= a person’s name)
- N2: 人 (= person)
- 本田さんという人 = a person called Honda-san
Other examples
- シロという猫（ねこ） = a cat named Shiro
- 青森というところ = a place called Aomori
- ドラえもんというアニメ = an anime called Doraemon
- 東京大学という大学 = a university called the University of Tokyo
3. Example Sentences
ムギという猫を飼っています。
I have a cat named Mugi.
昨日、一風堂というラーメン屋に行きました。
I went to a ramen restaurant called Ippūdō yesterday.
私は札幌という町から来ました。
I come from the city of Sapporo.
姉は、村上春樹の『ノルウェイの森』という小説が好きです。
My older sister likes the novel Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami.
4. Handy Variations with という
- N1 という 名前の N2 = an N2 whose name is N1
- さくらという名前の犬 = a dog whose name is Sakura
- N1 っていう N2 (casual speech)
- メルボルンっていう街 = a city called Melbourne
- N1 と呼ばれる N2 (formal/written “known as”)
- 生け花と呼ばれる芸術 = an art known as ikebana
- N1 というのは N2 です (definition/explanation)
- 寿司というのは 酢飯と魚の料理です。= Sushi is a dish made with vinegared rice and fish.
5. Practice Time!
Turn each cue into N1 という N2.
| Cue | Model answer | English |
|---|---|---|
| シロ / 猫 | シロという猫 | A cat called Shiro |
| 青森 / ところ | 青森というところ | A place called Aomori |
| ジョン / 友だち | ジョンという友だち | A friend named John |
| 空手 / 日本のスポーツ | 空手という日本のスポーツ | A Japanese sport called karate |
| たこ焼き / 食べ物 | たこ焼きという食べ物 | A food called takoyaki |
Your turn: 1) スパイダーマン / 映画 2) ドトール / カフェ 3) 東京大学 / 大学
6. Common Mistakes
| ❌ Wrong | Why it’s wrong | ✅ Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 人という田中さん | Order reversed. N1 = name, N2 = category. | 田中さんという人 A person called Tanaka |
| 青森という行きました | Needs a noun after という. | 青森というところに行きました。 I went to a place called Aomori. |
7. FAQ
- QWhat is the difference between N1 という N2 and N1 の N2?
- A
N1 という N2 (a N2 called N1): Use this to introduce or specify something that might be unknown to the listener. It defines what N1 is by putting it into the category of N2. Example: 「鬼滅の刃」というアニメ (an anime called “Demon Slayer”)
N1 の N2 (N1’s N2): This shows possession or attribution. The listener usually already knows what N1 is. Example: トヨタの車 (Toyota’s car / a car made by Toyota)
- QWhen should I avoid using という?
- A
Avoid using という when N1 is something universally known or obvious in the context of your conversation. Using it can sound like you’re over-explaining.
- QCan I use という only with proper nouns?
- A
No. It works with titles/labels too: 「おくりびと」という映画, 「ノルウェイの森」という小説.
- QWhat’s the real difference between という, っていう, and just って?
- A
- という (to iu): The standard, neutral form. Safe to use in any situation, both written and spoken.
- っていう (tte iu): A more relaxed, colloquial version of という. Very common in casual conversation.
- って (tte): The most casual form, often used in rapid speech among friends. It can replace both という and the topic marker は. Example: ポチって犬、知ってる？ (Do you know the dog called Pochi?)
- QHow does the grammar 〜というのは (to iu nowa) work?
- A
N1 というのは N2 です is a set pattern used for definitions. It literally means “The thing called N1 is N2.” It’s a great way to explain what a word means. Example: 「猫舌」というのは、熱い食べ物が食べられない人のことです。 (“Nekojita” is a person who can’t eat hot food.)
Conclusion
You can now:
- ✅ Use N1 という N2 to say “a N2 called/named N1.”
- ✅ Choose natural categories for N2 (人, 町/ところ, アニメ, 大学, 食べ物…).
- ✅ Apply helpful variants like という名前の, っていう, and というのは.
Write three sentences introducing people/places/things your reader may not know yet using N1 という N2—your introductions will sound clear and natural.
Want to improve your Japanese with real conversations?
Our native Japanese instructors at gokigen japanese can help you perfect your pronunciation and learn real-life usage.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese or looking to refine your skills, book a one-on-one session.
