to say ~, called ~

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Reports what someone said or names something.

[Quote] + と言う

彼は忙しいと言いました。

Kare wa isogashii to iimashita.

He said he's busy.

田中さんという人です。

Tanaka-san to iu hito desu.

It's a person called Tanaka.

Use plain form before と.

です/だ

to be (copula)

は (wa)

topic marker

が (ga)

subject marker

を (wo)

direct object marker

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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