という as a Formal Alternative to だそうだ
When という is used to convey hearsay or reported information, it functions as a slightly more formal or neutral alternative to だそうだ. In this context, という is often translated as "it is said that," "it is reported that," or "they say that." This usage is common in both written and formal spoken Japanese, such as news reports, articles, or more polite conversations.
Frequent Usages
- 明日、会議が中止になるという
- 彼は新しいプロジェクトを始めたという
- あの会社は海外進出する予定という
- 彼女は昇進したという
- この町は、昔は港町だったという
Meaning and Usage
In this usage, という is used to relay unverified information or hearsay in a slightly more formal or objective manner than だそうだ. It implies that the information is indirectly obtained and suggests that the speaker is not personally involved with the information or is simply passing it on. This form can be seen in news articles, reports, and formal conversations, where the tone is neutral and the source may not be directly attributed.
Common Meanings
- Hearsay or Indirect Information: Used to report information that the speaker has heard or learned indirectly.
- Formal or Objective Tone: Used to convey information in a polite, non-committal way, often without directly attributing the source.
Nuance Comparison
- だそうだ: More conversational and casual, often used in everyday spoken Japanese.
- という: Neutral and slightly more formal, commonly used in formal spoken and written Japanese to relay information objectively.
Form
- Verb (普通形) + という
- 来月から新しいシステムが導入されるという
らいげつからあたらしいシステムがどうにゅうされるという
"It is said that a new system will be introduced next month."
- い-Adjective + という
- あの映画はとても感動的だという
あのえいがはとてもかんどうてきだという
"It is said that that movie is very moving."
- な-Adjective + だ + という
- 彼女はとても優秀だという
かのじょはとてもゆうしゅうだという
"It is said that she is very talented."
- Noun + だ + という
- これは古い伝統だという
これはふるいでんとうだという
"It is said that this is an old tradition."
When to Use It
Hearsay or Reported Information
Use という when you want to report information or a rumor you’ve heard indirectly, especially when you want to sound more neutral or objective. This form is often used in formal writing, news reporting, and when the speaker wishes to avoid sounding overly casual.
- For relaying information in a neutral, formal way:
彼が新しいプロジェクトを始めたという
かれがあたらしいプロジェクトをはじめたという
"It is reported that he has started a new project."
Adding Formality and Objectivity
という is useful in contexts where you want to keep a polite or objective tone. It allows the speaker to avoid attaching personal opinion to the information, making it ideal for professional or formal settings.
- For formal reports or objective tone:
市役所によれば、新しい法律が施行される予定という
しやくしょによれば、あたらしいほうりつがしこうされるよていという
"According to city hall, it is said that a new law is scheduled to take effect."
Examples for Each Form
- Verb (普通形) + という
- 彼が会社を辞めるという
かれがかいしゃをやめるという
"It is said that he is leaving the company."
- い-Adjective + という
- この本は面白いという
このほんはおもしろいという
"It is said that this book is interesting."
- な-Adjective + だ + という
- あの人は有名な作家だという
あのひとはゆうめいなさっかだという
"It is said that that person is a famous writer."
- Noun + だ + という
- 明日は祝日だという
あしたはしゅくじつだという
"It is said that tomorrow is a holiday."
Improper Usage
Avoid using という in highly casual or intimate settings, as it can sound overly formal or detached. Instead, use だそうだ or って in such cases for a more natural, conversational tone.
Key Points to Remember
- Hearsay and Indirect Information: Use という to report indirect or unverified information in a neutral way.
- More Formal than だそうだ: This form is suitable for formal or objective contexts.
- Polite and Non-Committal: Ideal for situations where the speaker wishes to relay information without personally verifying or supporting it.
Formality
という is considered more formal and is commonly seen in written Japanese, news articles, and formal spoken Japanese. It’s appropriate for professional and polite situations.
Example Sentences
- 彼女は海外に引っ越すという
かのじょはかいがいにひっこすという
"It is said that she is moving abroad." - 新しい駅が来年開業するという
あたらしいえきがらいねんかいぎょうするという
"It is said that a new station will open next year." - 市役所によると、新しい税が導入されるという
しやくしょによると、あたらしいぜいがどうにゅうされるという
"According to city hall, it is said that a new tax will be introduced." - その会社は急成長中だという
そのかいしゃはきゅうせいちょうちゅうだという
"It is said that the company is rapidly growing."
という is a versatile way to report information politely, making it ideal for situations where you need to convey hearsay or indirect information with an objective or respectful tone.
