とは

expression, particle

indicates a word or phrase being defined

Used in definitions or explanations, often equivalent to 'is a ...' or 'means ...'. Follows the term being defined.

See also: というのは

• 「ありがとう」とは、感かん謝しゃの気き持もちを表あらわす言こと葉ばです。

  'Arigatou' is a word that expresses gratitude.

expression, particle

used for quoting thoughts, speech, etc.

Marks quoted content, often with verbs like 言う, 思う, or 聞く. Can add contrast or emphasis to a negative statement.

See also: と

• 彼かれが来くるとは思おもわなかった。

  I didn't think he would come.

• まさか彼かれが犯はん人にんだとは思おもわなかった。

  I never thought he was the culprit.

expression, particle

with (more emphatic than と)

Emphatic version of the particle と meaning 'with'. Used to stress the companion or counterpart.

See also: と

• 彼かれとはもう会あわない。

  I won't meet with him anymore.

expression, particle

(not) as much as; (not) so much as

Used with a negative verb to express that something is not as much as expected or not to the degree of something else.

• 彼かれほど親しん切せつな人ひととは会あったことがない。

  I've never met anyone as kind as him.

expression, particle

the fact that; to think that; such a thing as

Expresses surprise, disbelief, anger, etc. about a situation. Can appear at the end of a sentence.

• あの人ひとがそんなことをするとは。

  To think that person would do such a thing.