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As the Weblio entry for [the thing
is](https://ejje.weblio.jp/content/the+thing+is) explains, it is an idiomatic
and colloquial expression used to introduce the main point or issue. It gives
a translation of ということです, but I am not entirely sure about that.

The Denshi Jisho entry for [nda](https://jisho.org/search/nda) gives the
translations for the four expressions as “The expectation is that...”, “The
reason is that...”, “The fact is that...” and “It is that...”. Logically, “The
thing is that...” would qualify as a translation.

Am I wrong here?
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2018-05-08T18:04:34.837
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2018-05-08T19:41:57.527
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question
translation
Can “The thing is (that)…” be translated as 〜のです, 〜のだ, 〜んです or 〜んだ?
You seem to understand the idea behind the `のだ` format quite well. The
difference I think you are seeking is between `のだ` and `ということ`.

The first is much more close and personal is used to give an explanation of
some sort (this one is also harder to translate directly but I think your
description of `the thing is` is very close).

The latter is a much more literal, informational, and impersonal `It is
that...`.

Examples:

> 日本語がわからないんです。
>
> vs
>
> 日本語がわからないということです。

The first one sounds like an explanation provided the explains the speaker's
situation. In this case it sounds like their friend is having trouble because
he/she does not speak Japanese and is seeking understanding.

The second one sounds more impersonal and to the point. The speaker may have
nothing at stake with the situation, like they are describing it as an
observer.

Both, however, serve to give some reasoning and extra information and can be
easily translated as `The thing is...` or `It is that...`. The question is the
feeling behind it.
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2018-05-08T19:41:57.527
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2018-05-08T19:41:57.527
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answer