かというと・
This pattern openly frames a question and then gives the speaker's answer, classification, or choice. It is especially useful when organizing an explanation or saying which of two descriptions is closer.
How the pattern works
The part before the pattern identifies the question to be answered: when, where, who, which option, or another category. The continuation must then resolve that question. The speaker is often not asking the listener for information; instead, the speaker raises the question rhetorically in order to foreground the answer.
Framing and answering the question
会議がいつ始まるかというと、午前十時です。
As for when the meeting starts, it starts at ten in the morning.
Analyzeこの町で一番静かな場所はどこかといえば、川沿いの公園です。
If you ask where the quietest place in this town is, it is the park along the river.
Analyze新しい企画を誰に任せるかというと、経験のある佐藤さんです。
As for who we will put in charge of the new project, it will be the experienced Ms. Sato.
AnalyzeChoosing the closer description
どちらかというと presents the following description as the closer fit, without claiming that it is perfectly or absolutely true. This makes it natural for preferences, personality, taste, and other answers that need qualification.
A qualified preference
甘い物と辛い物なら、どちらが好きですか。
Between sweet and spicy food, which do you prefer?
Analyzeどちらかというと、辛い物のほうが好きです。
If anything, I prefer spicy food.
AnalyzeThe answer expresses a leaning rather than an absolute preference.
Answered question or unresolved question?
The target pattern announces a question and immediately supplies its answer. A simple embedded question followed by an expression such as “do not know” leaves the answer unresolved.
発表が何時に始まるかというと、午後二時です。
As for what time the presentation starts, it starts at two in the afternoon.
AnalyzeThe continuation answers the framed question.
発表が何時に始まるか分かりません。
I do not know what time the presentation starts.
AnalyzeThis is an unresolved embedded question, not the target question-to-answer pattern.
More examples
決勝戦はいつ行われるかというと、来週の日曜日です。
As for when the final will be held, it will be next Sunday.
Analyzeこの地域で雪が最も多いのはいつかといえば、二月ごろです。
If you ask when this area gets the most snow, it is around February.
Analyzeどの案を採用するかというと、費用の低い第二案です。
As for which plan we will adopt, it will be the less expensive second plan.
Analyzeどちらかというと、彼は聞き役に回ることが多いです。
If anything, he tends to take the role of listener.
Analyzeこの料理はどちらかといえば、甘口です。
This dish is more on the sweet side.
Analyze旅行に何を持っていくべきかというと、まず雨具です。
As for what you should take on the trip, rain gear comes first.
Analyze