N3 Reasons, Causes, and Results

~ということだ① (Result): meaning, usage and examples

~ということだ① (Result) means: that means... / in other words...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 試験しけんの結果けっかは90%、つまり合格ごうかくということだ。

   You scored 90% on the test. In other words, you passed.

2. 参加者さんかしゃは3人さんにんだけ。つまり、パーティーは中止ちゅうしということだ。

   There are only 3 participants. That means the party is canceled.

3. 電気でんきが消きえている。もう寝ねたということだ。

   The lights are off. That means they've already gone to bed.

4. 今日きょうは月曜日げつようびだから、店みせは休やすみということです。

   Today is Monday, so that means the store is closed.

When to use it

This ということだ draws a conclusion from facts: "that means," "so in other words." The speaker looks at a situation and states what it means. It often follows つまり, a number, or a rule: 電気でんきがついていない。留守るすということだ ("The lights are off. That means nobody is home"). ということですか checks that you understood.

Nuance

Logical and neutral, used in speech and writing. It states a conclusion as a fact, more firmly than だろう. The polite ということです is common when confirming details at work or in a store.

Compare

ということだ② (hearsay) reports what you heard: ニュースによると、明日あしたは雨あめが降ふるということだ. This one concludes from facts you can see. わけだ adds the feeling of "no wonder, that explains it"; ということだ only states what the facts mean, with no surprise. はずだ is an expectation, not a conclusion from facts.

Tip: If "That means..." fits in front of the English, it is the result meaning. If "I heard that..." fits, it is hearsay.