〜とは

About

～とは is a combination of the と and は particles, and can be split into three main usages:

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  ① Giving definitions and descriptions ("X is Y")

For usage ① とは should attach to nouns, and gives formal-sounding, "dictionary-like" definitions.

E.g. 人生じんせいとは、長ながい旅たびだ。 "Life is a long journey."

E.g. 浴衣ゆかたとは、夏なつに着きる着物きもののことです。 "A yukata is a kimono that is worn in the summer."

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  ② Quoting someone (either what they said or what they wrote), in order to confirm what they mean or give an evaluative statement ("Does X mean Y?")

For usages ② and ③, とは can attach to verbs, adjectives, or nouns.

E.g. マイクさんに新あたらしい彼女かのじょができたとは本当ほんとうですか。 "Is it true that Mike has a new girlfriend?"

E.g. 台風たいふうが来きているとは知しりませんでした。 "I did not know that there was a typhoon coming."

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  ③ Emphatic statements (usually of surprise) ("To think that X/I can't believe that Y")

E.g. 漢字かんじのテストが満点まんてんとは信しんじられない！ "I can't believe that you got full marks on the kanji test!"

E.g. マイクが私わたしにうそをつくとはショックです。 "I'm shocked that Mike lied to me."

For usage ③, とは can also end a sentence, leaving the second half implied.

E.g. このクリームがこんなに効きくとは...！ "To think that this cream would work this well! (I'm in shock!/I can't believe it!/etc.)"

Summary

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  ～とは is a combination of the と and は particles, and can be split into three main usages

• 

  For usage ① とは should attach to nouns

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  For usages ② and ③, とは can attach to verbs, adjectives, or nouns