〜と言います
to be called ~
Pass on words or information while showing where they came from.
Remember it
Source first, information next: connect them with 〜と言います.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜と言います」 means "to be called ~". Structure: Name + と言います. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for news, messages, names, instructions, and what another person said.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1これは日本語で水と言います。
これはにほんごでみずといいます。
korehanihongodemizutoiimasu.
This is called water in Japanese.
Everyday life
Example 2これは日本語でかばんと言います。
これはにほんごでかばんといいます。
korehanihongodekabantoiimasu.
This is called bag in Japanese.
Everyday life
Example 3これは日本語で時計と言います。
これはにほんごでとけいといいます。
korehanihongodetokeitoiimasu.
This is called clock in Japanese.
Everyday life
Example 4これは日本語でご飯と言います。
これはにほんごでごはんといいます。
korehanihongodegohantoiimasu.
This is called rice in Japanese.
Everyday life
Example 5これは日本語で野菜と言います。
これはにほんごでやさいといいます。
korehanihongodeyasaitoiimasu.
This is called vegetables in Japanese.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
This is called water in Japanese.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜と言います.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.