What it means
という follows a name or noun to identify what a person or thing is called, named, or known as. It commonly appears before another noun, as in “a teacher called Tanaka” or “a town called Osaka.” The phrase gives a label or name rather than simply stating that two things are identical. という does not itself mark politeness; the surrounding sentence can be made familiar or polite independently.
Usage note
In this naming use, という is often written in hiragana. Do not confuse it with と言う, the verb meaning “to say,” although the two forms are historically related.
How to use it
田中さんという先生は親切です。
The teacher named Tanaka is kind.
田中さんという先生は親切だ。
The teacher named Tanaka is kind.
Example sentences
私の町には、青空という公園があります。
In my town, there is a park called Aozora.
学校の近くに、ひかりという図書館があります。
There is a library called Hikari near the school.
駅の前に、さくらというパン屋があります。
There is a bakery called Sakura in front of the station.
兄は健太という名前の会社員