Meaning
This pattern is used when evaluating something. It is used when explaining or making comparisons while searching for just the right expression. It conveys the speaker's assessment and impression, often with a nuance of uncertainty about which description fits best.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (plain form) | というか |
| い-adjective | というか |
| な-adjective | というか |
| Noun | というか |
Examples
-
別れたとき、彼女の表情はさびしいというか、悲しいというか、今でもその顔が忘れられないなあ。
When we parted, her expression — I don't know whether to call it lonely or sad — I still can't forget that face even now. -
友人の書いたレポートを読んだが、内容が薄いというか資料不足というか…多分先生に書き直しと言われるだろう。
I read the report my friend wrote, and whether you'd call it shallow in content or lacking in references... the teacher will probably tell him to rewrite it. -
佐藤くんは何事にも動じないよね。たぶん周りがあまり気にならないタイプなんだよね。まあ、大物というか、鈍感なだけというか。
Sato never gets fazed by anything, right? He's probably the type who doesn't really care about what's going on around him. Well, I don't know whether to call him a big shot or just oblivious. -
A:この間、初めて料理をしたんだけど、味が濃いというか、焦げ臭かったというか… B:失敗しちゃったの？焼きすぎにレシピ通りに作れば上手になるよ。
A: The other day I cooked for the first time, and whether the flavor was too strong or it smelled burnt...
B: Did it turn out badly? Don't worry — just follow the recipe and you'll get better.
Summary
- 「〜というか〜というか」 means "I don't know whether to call it... or..."
- Attaches to Verbs (plain form), い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and Nouns