At a glance
～というの turns a word or clause into a noun so you can define it, explain it or comment on it. It means "the thing called ~" or "the idea of ~ing", and it is usually followed by は.
[Word / Plain-form clause] + というのは + [definition / comment]
「こたつ」というのは何ですか。 What is a "kotatsu"?
How to form it
というの attaches to a word being defined or to a plain-form clause. The particle after it is usually は, but が and を are also used.
| Attaches to | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Word being defined | 「こたつ」というのは | the thing called "kotatsu" |
| Verb (plain) | 行くというのは | the idea of going |
| Verb (plain negative) | 行かないというのは | the idea of not going |
| Verb (plain past) | 行ったというのは | (the news) that someone went |
| い-adj | 高いというのは | (the idea) that it is expensive |
| な-adj | 静かだというのは | (the idea) that it is quiet |
| Noun in a clause | 学生だというのは | (the idea) that someone is a student |
Register: neutral, used in polite and casual speech. In casual speech it often becomes っていうのは or って.