～と言えば・～というと
Speaking of that topic...
You’ll be able to use a word or idea as a cue to introduce an associated thought, example, or comment.
焚き火のおやつと言えば、焼いたマシュマロです。
takibi no oyatsu to ieba, yaita mashumaro desu.
What do you think this sentence means?
Speaking of campfire snacks, it has to be roasted marshmallows.
Bring up an associated image or topic
～と言えば (or ～というと) uses a mentioned topic as a prompt to call up a characteristic image, associated memory, or related comment ("speaking of...", "when you mention...").
夏と言えば、花火ですね。
natsu to ieba, hanabi desu ne.
When you think of summer, it’s fireworks, isn’t it?
京都というと、お寺が有名です。
kyouto to iu to, otera ga yuumei desu.
Speaking of Kyoto, it is famous for its temples.
Attach と言えば or というと to a noun
Attach と言えば or というと directly to a noun or phrase that sparks the associated topic or thought.
北海道の食べ物というと、新鮮な海鮮丼が一番に思い浮かぶ。
hokkaidou no tabemono to iu to, shinsen na kaisendon ga ichiban ni omoiukabu.
Speaking of Hokkaido food, a fresh seafood bowl comes to mind first.
「冬の食べ物と言えば、やっぱり鍋だね。」
“fuyu no tabemono to ieba, yappari nabe da ne.”
“When it comes to winter food, it’s got to be hot pot.”
「温泉と言えば、先月行った箱根はよかったよ。」
“onsen to ieba, sengetsu itta hakone wa yokatta yo.”
“Speaking of hot springs, Hakone, where I went last month, was great.”
「田中さんというと、あのいつも笑っている人ですか。」
“tanaka-san to iu to, ano itsumo waratte iru hito desu ka.”
“When you say Tanaka, do you mean the person who’s always smiling?”
7 more examples in the grammar path — free for a limited time.