ということはto iu koto wa“that means; in other words”

ということは means that means; in other words. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to draw a conclusion or restate what something implies.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, ということは is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker’s logic, stance, or emphasis.

What does ということは mean?

Use ということは when you want to draw a conclusion or restate what something implies.

Natural translations include:

• that means; in other words
• depending on context
• in a way that matches the speaker’s emphasis

How to form ということは

Plain form + ということは

Examples of the pattern:

• 彼が来ないということは
• 全員が賛成したということは
• 電気が消えているということは

When is ということは used?

Use ということは in situations like:

• reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
• making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
• connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:

• usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
• common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

ということは example sentences

• 彼が来ないということは、予定が変わったのだろう。 — The fact that he isn’t coming means the plan probably changed.
• 全員が賛成したということは、この案で進められるということだ。 — Everyone agreed, so that means we can proceed with this proposal.
• 電気が消えているということは、もう閉店したのかな。 — The lights are off, which means maybe the shop has already closed.
• 試験まで一週間ということは、もう時間があまりない。 — It is one week until the exam, which means there isn’t much time left.
• 彼女が黙っているということは、何か考えがあるのかもしれない。 — The fact that she is silent may mean she has something in mind.

After reading each sentence, ask what job ということは is doing.

Nuance of ということは

The key nuance is draw a conclusion or restate what something implies.

For example:

• In formal writing, ということは often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
• Compared with つまり, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

ということは vs つまり

ということは:

• fits the N2 nuance explained above
• often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

つまり:

• is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
• may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:

• 彼が来ないということは、予定が変わったのだろう。
• Try rewriting the sentence with つまり and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

Common mistakes with ということは

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
• Confusing it with つまり just because the English translation overlaps
• Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with ということは, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

Is ということは on the JLPT?

Yes. ということは is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for ということは

• Write one sentence that clearly needs ということは.
• Write a second sentence with つまり and compare the nuance.
• Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

Learning path for ということは

To learn ということは efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern’s real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare ということは with つまり and the related lessons below.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes ということは necessary.

Related grammar to review next

• n3 tsumari — in other words; in short.
• n3 to iu koto da — I heard; it means that.
• 要するに — in short; to sum up.

Learn ということは with Hane

If you want to review ということは together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

• All grammar lessons
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons