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
Miyazaki Hayao to iu hito wa yuumei na animation kantoku desu.
The person called Hayao Miyazaki is a famous animation director.
Sono koibito to iu josei wa kare ni totemo kibishii desu.
The woman called his girlfriend is very strict with him.
Tokyo to iu toshi wa yoru mo nigiyaka desu.
The city called Tokyo is bustling even at night.
Watashi wa 'Harry Potter' to iu hon ga suki desu.
I like the book called 'Harry Potter'.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.