とは (contrastive quotative)

grammar

8 sentences

The combination とは (quotative と + contrastive/topic は), used to mark a quoted or thought content with contrastive or topicalizing emphasis — 'as for the idea that X,' 'regarding X,' or 'the very thought that X.' Often appears with verbs of thinking, expecting, or saying: ~とは思わなかった ('never thought that X'), ~とは知らなかった ('didn't know that X'). Frequently tied to surprise or emphasis on unexpected content. Sharpens the focus of the surrounding predicate onto the quoted material.

8 sentences

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