ということは

that is to say, so that means, in other words, that means

AI-generated

Structure

[sentence (plain form)] + ということは

[noun] + (だ/である) + ということは

ということは (standalone, at the start of a sentence to draw a conclusion from prior context)

Description

ということは is used to draw a logical conclusion or inference from something that has just been stated. It translates to "that means", "so that means", or "in other words". The speaker takes a piece of information and explicitly states what it implies or what can be concluded from it.

Drawing a conclusion from new information

The most common use of ということは is when you hear or learn something and then state the logical consequence. It often appears at the beginning of a response or follow-up sentence.

、。

The fact that he isn't coming means we have no choice but to do it ourselves.

、。

The lights are on, which means someone must be there.

Confirming understanding

ということは is used in conversation to confirm your understanding of what someone has said – restating the implication to check if you've got it right.

あAきごう：。bBきごう：、きごう？

A: I'm transferring to Tokyo next month. B: So that means you're moving?

きごう？、きごう？

You failed the exam? So that means you'll study for another year?

Usage notes

ということは can appear mid-sentence connecting a clause to a conclusion, or it can stand at the beginning of a new sentence as a discourse marker (similar to "so" or "in other words").
The clause before ということは is typically in plain form.
It is sometimes shortened to ってことは in casual speech.
あす明日はやすみ休みってことは、こんや今夜はおそく遅くまでおきていられる起きていられるね。
Tomorrow's a day off, which means we can stay up late tonight, right?

つまり also means "in other words" but is used more to rephrase or summarize, while ということは emphasizes drawing a new conclusion from given information.
すなわち is a more formal equivalent of つまり and is rarely used in conversation.

Examples

、。

The fact that she's angry means something must have happened.

、だろう。

The store being closed means today is probably a regular holiday.

あAきごう：たなか田中。bBきごう：、。

A: I heard Mr. Tanaka quit. B: So that means we need to find someone new, right?

、きごう？

The fact that you can speak Japanese – does that mean you've lived in Japan?

、だっ。

The fact that nobody objected means everyone was in agreement.

、。

If your salary isn't going up, that means you might want to consider changing jobs.

、きごう？

He's here, so that means the meeting is already over?

、だろう。

The fact that there's no reply probably means they're not interested.

、。

It's snowing, which means the temperature must have dropped quite a bit.

あAきごう：さとう佐藤らしい。bBきごう：、きごう？

A: It sounds like Sato is coming to tomorrow's party too. B: So that means everyone will be there?

、。

The fact that you could solve this problem means you must already have a solid understanding of the basics.

References

ということはBunpro

～て頂戴

というものだ