〜というのは／とは

Meaning

This pattern is used when providing a specific explanation or definition of something. It clarifies the meaning of a concept, term, or definition. The structure emphasizes that you are explaining what something actually is, and is often followed by ことだ or のことだ to complete the definition.

Formation

Examples

1. 「コンビニ」とは、コンビニエンスストアのことです。
   "Convenience store" (コンビニ) refers to a convenience store, which comes from the English word "convenience store."

2. 「家賃」というのは家を借りた料金ということです。
   "Rent" (家賃) is the fee you pay when borrowing a house.

3. 消費税とは何ですか。
   What exactly is consumption tax (消費税)?

Summary

• Use とは or というのは when defining or explaining what something means
• Commonly used for explaining concepts, technical terms, and definitions
• Often paired with ことだ or のことだ to complete the explanation