N+だ+というN or NというN


Is it grammatically correct to say “Noun + という + Noun”?

Or I have to say “Noun + だ + という+ Noun” ?

Or is it a same thing with difference in an informal/formal speech ?




Both forms exist, but their meanings are quite different.

AというB means something like "the B that is called/referred to as A":

> ATCという会社 ＝ the company called 'ATC'
>
> 青春というもの ＝ the thing referred to as 'youth'
>
> あなたという人 ＝ the person that you are (fairly common expression in Japan)

AだというB is closer "the B that **it** is A", where A can be any sentence
(including sentences ending in a noun):

> 悪いのはお前だという一言 ＝ the comment that you are at fault
>
> ブラジルだというクイズの答え ＝ the quiz answer that it is Brazil
>
> 植物も生き物だという事実 ＝ the fact that plants are living beings, too

