とは (toha)

Meaning & usage

とは expresses surprise, disappointment or admiration when a realized fact goes against expectation. It attaches to a plain form clause such as 彼が来なかったとは or こんなに安いとは, followed by an evaluative comment like 驚いた, 残念だ or 意外だった. It is used in written and spoken Japanese to react strongly to what actually happened, and the clause before とは normally refers to a completed or established fact.

Example sentences 6

1. 三流さんりゅうのクラブで歌うたうとは彼女かのじょも成なり下さがったものだ。

   She has fallen so low as to sing at a third-rate night club.

2. 彼が優勝するとは思わなかった。

   I never thought he would win the championship.

3. こんなに安いとは驚いた。

   I am surprised that it is this cheap.

4. 君が泣くとは意外だった。

   It was unexpected to see you cry.

5. あの店が閉店するとは残念だ。

   It is a shame that shop is closing.

6. 彼女が嘘をつくとはがっかりだ。

   I am disappointed that she would tell a lie.