Noun という Noun (~to iu~)
Explanation
Used to specify or define one noun with another; 'the noun called', 'the noun that is', or 'a certain'.
Formation
Noun1 という Noun2
Detailed Explanation
The Noun という Noun construction is used to specify or define one noun with another. It usually translates as 'the noun called', 'the noun that is' or simply 'a certain'. It is a very common pattern for clarifying what something is named or known as.
Examples
宮崎駿という人は有名なアニメーション監督です。
Miyazaki Hayao to iu hito wa yuumei na animation kantoku desu.
The person called Hayao Miyazaki is a famous animation director.
その恋人という女性は彼にとても厳しいです。
Sono koibito to iu josei wa kare ni totemo kibishii desu.
The woman called his girlfriend is very strict with him.
東京という都市は夜も賑やかです。
Tokyo to iu toshi wa yoru mo nigiyaka desu.
The city called Tokyo is bustling even at night.
私は「ハリーポッター」という本が好きです。
Watashi wa 'Harry Potter' to iu hon ga suki desu.
I like the book called 'Harry Potter'.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.