山道で車が故障するとは、とんだ災難だった。
It was a real misfortune that the car broke down on the mountain road.
Japanese
とは
とは
Meaning: topic marker for definitions, explanations, or emphatic statements
Listen to pronunciation
Example sentences
幸福とは人それぞれ違う
Happiness is different for each person.
確かに高価だが、だからと言って品質が良いとは限らない。
It is certainly expensive, but that doesn't mean the quality is good.
そんな風に疑われるとは心外だ。
It is truly disappointing to be doubted in that way.
卒業しても、クラスメートとは連絡を取り合っている。
I still keep in touch with my classmates even after graduation.
Usage Notes
とは marks the topic when defining, explaining, or making emphatic statements about something. It's stronger than just は and often appears in sentences that explain 'what something is' or ask 'what is...?' Can also express surprise or criticism when something differs from expectations.
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