かというと・
You ask your own question out loud and answer it yourself. It signals what kind of thing comes next: a reason, an answer, which way you lean, or a "not really".
why? because…
It's better to book a table at this restaurant. Why? Because it fills up quickly on weekends.
if anything
If anything, I prefer spicy food.
you'd think so, but no
Does living in Japan for a long time make you good at Japanese? Not really.
How to form it
Question in the plain form + かというと／かといえば + your answer
A noun, a な-adjective or a question word usually goes straight before か, with no だ: どこかというと. かといえば is the same, a little more written. In conversation it is often かっていうと.
You hear it wherever someone is explaining: conversation, interviews, presentations, lessons.
なぜかというと: why? because…
First the statement. Then なぜかというと or どうしてかというと, then the reason, which usually ends in から. It does the job of なぜなら in a softer, more spoken way.
I'm taking printed copies too. Why? Because the connection at the venue may be unstable.
I don't drink coffee at night. Why? Because then I can't sleep.
Between friends.
With any question word
The hardest thing about this job? The early mornings.
What I'm trying to say is that I wish you had come to me sooner.
A common way to get to the point.
どちらかというと: if anything, on the whole
A set phrase, and the one you'll hear most. You say which way you lean without stating it flatly, often about your own tastes and character.
I'm more of a morning person.
This dish is more on the sweet side.
A yes-or-no question: you'd think so, but no
After a yes-or-no question, the answer is usually "no" or "not really": そうでもない, そうとは限らない, そういうわけではない.
Does a high salary make you happy? Not necessarily.
Do I dislike him? No, it isn't that.
Close neighbours
なぜなら～からN3
The essay version of なぜかというと: stiffer, for writing, speeches and exam answers.
I support this plan. The reason is that it can increase local employment.
With no か there is no question. It brings up a topic: "speaking of…".
When it comes to spring, I think of the cherry trees along the river.
Check yourself
1What does this mean?
肉が
Choose an answer to see why.
2Which one fits?
私は
Choose an answer to see why.
More sentences
I go to the office early in the morning. Why? Because the trains are empty.
We hold our meetings in the morning. Why? Because many people can't attend in the afternoon.
We have put the schedule back a day. The reason is that the parts we need haven't arrived yet.
ためです closes the reason more formally than からです.
If anything, he is more often the one who listens.
What should you take on the trip? Rain gear, first of all.
The quietest place in this town? The park along the river.