You use this when you are very surprised. It shows you did not expect something. It can be good or bad surprise.
Clause + とはPrimary
You use this when you are very surprised. It shows you did not expect something. It can be good or bad surprise.
彼が何も言わずに会社を辞めたとは、信じられない。
I can't believe that he quit the company without saying anything.
まさか自分が一位になるとは、夢にも思わなかった。
To think that I would get first place... I never even dreamed of it.
あの正直な彼が嘘をつくとは、何か事情があるに違いない。
For that honest guy to tell a lie, there must be some special reason.
こんな簡単なことも知らないとは、本当に大丈夫か？
To think you don't even know something this simple... are you really okay?
たった一人でこの絵を完成させたとは、素晴らしい才能ですね。
To think you completed this painting all by yourself is a sign of wonderful talent.
Imagine a spotlight. It shines on what you just heard. Then you share your strong feeling about it. This feeling can be good, bad, or just surprised.
This is different from '〜なんて' and '〜なんか'. Those words show many feelings. They can show you think something is not important. They can also show surprise. '〜とは' only shows strong surprise or other strong feelings. It is also different from '〜とか'. '〜とか' lists things. It does not show strong feelings.
Don't use this when you are speaking politely. For example, don't say "食べますとは" (tabemasu to wa). The word before 〜とは must be a plain form. This means dictionary form, past form, or negative form. You cannot use polite forms like 〜ます (masu) or 〜です (desu).
Use this when you want to show strong feelings. You can show surprise or shock. You can also show admiration or dismay. You often leave the feeling unspoken. Your voice will show it.
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