～ということは

• Reading: ということは
• Romaji: to iu koto wa
• Formation: Clause (plain form) + ということは + Conclusion/Comment

Meaning

A phrase that nominalizes a preceding clause and turns it into a topic, meaning 'the fact that...' or 'that means...' It is used to draw conclusions or confirm implications.

ということは serves two main functions. First, it can nominalize a clause to make it a topic of discussion, similar to saying 'the fact that X is...' Second, and more commonly in conversation, it is used to draw a logical conclusion from what was just said, meaning 'that means...' or 'so in other words...' In this inferential use, the speaker restates or reinterprets information to confirm their understanding. It differs from つまり, which simply summarizes, because ということは often carries a sense of realization or seeks confirmation. It is very natural in dialogue when processing new information.

Examples

1. 電気がついているということは誰かいるはずだ。 The fact that the lights are on means someone must be there.
2. 彼が来ないということは会議は中止ですか。 Does the fact that he's not coming mean the meeting is cancelled?
3. 日本語が話せるということはすごいことだ。 The fact that you can speak Japanese is amazing.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 彼女が辞めたということは新しい人を探さないといけない。
• 値段が上がったということは需要が増えたんだろう。
• 返事がないということはまだ決まっていないのかもしれない。

Don't Say

• 今日は月曜日ということは明日は火曜日だ。(Omitting the だ before ということは after a noun — nouns and na-adjectives need だ before ということは) → 今日は月曜日だということは明日は火曜日だ。
• 寒いということは冬だ。(Using ということは to state the obvious — it is for drawing non-obvious conclusions or seeking confirmation) → 寒くなってきたということはもう冬が近いんだね。

Origin & History

Composed of the quotation particle と, the verb 言う (to say), こと (thing/fact), and the topic marker は. Together they create a nominalized topic phrase that has been grammaticalized in modern Japanese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal