Processing keyword: ～から見ると (〜kara miru to)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～から見ると (〜kara miru to)

〜から見ると (〜kara miru to)

1. Introduction

Welcome to this lesson on the Japanese grammar point 〜から見ると (〜kara miru to). This expression is used to convey a perspective or point of view, much like saying "from the standpoint of" or "from the perspective of" in English. Understanding this grammar point will help you express opinions and observations from various viewpoints in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

〜から見ると is used to express how something appears or is perceived from a particular standpoint or perspective. It translates to:

• "From the point of view of ~"
• "As seen from ~"
• "From the perspective of ~"

Structure

The structure of this grammar point is:

[ Noun ] + から見ると

• Noun: The perspective or standpoint from which something is viewed.
• から見ると: Literally "from seeing"; used to indicate perspective.

Formation Diagram

• 私から見ると: From my point of view
• 専門家から見ると: From an expert's perspective

Visual Aid

[ Perspective Noun ] + から見ると → Indicates viewpoint
Examples:
- 学生から見ると (From a student's perspective)
- 外国人から見ると (From a foreigner's point of view)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. 〜にとって

• Meaning: "For ~"; indicates something is significant or relevant to someone.
• Usage: Focuses on the subject's feelings or judgments.
• Example: 彼にとって、この仕事は大切です。
  • For him, this job is important.

2. 〜から言うと / 〜から言えば

• Meaning: "From the standpoint of ~"; often used to give opinions.
• Usage: Similar to 〜から見ると, but commonly used with opinions rather than observations.
• Example: 法律から言うと、彼は罪を犯していない。
  • From the standpoint of the law, he hasn't committed a crime.

Nuance Differences

• 〜から見ると focuses on how something is perceived or observed from a particular viewpoint.
• 〜にとって emphasizes personal significance or importance.
• 〜から言うと often introduces an opinion or judgment based on a certain criterion.

4. Examples in Context

Let's look at various examples to see how 〜から見ると is used in different contexts.

1. Informal Spoken

日本人から見ると、これは普通の食べ物だ。

• Nihonjin kara miru to, kore wa futsū no tabemono da.
• Translation: From a Japanese person's perspective, this is ordinary food.

2. Formal Written

経済の専門家から見ると、この政策は効果的ではない。

• Keizai no senmonka kara miru to, kono seisaku wa kōkateki de wa nai.
• Translation: From the perspective of economic experts, this policy is not effective.

3. Polite Conversation

子供から見ると、大人の世界は複雑に見えるでしょう。

• Kodomo kara miru to, otona no sekai wa fukuzatsu ni mieru deshō.
• Translation: From a child's point of view, the adult world probably seems complicated.

4. Casual Observation

外から見ると、この店は小さく見える。

• Soto kara miru to, kono mise wa chīsaku mieru.
• Translation: From the outside, this shop looks small.

5. Academic Discussion

歴史的な観点から見ると、この事件は重要な意味を持つ。

• Rekishi-teki na kanten kara miru to, kono jiken wa jūyōna imi o motsu.
• Translation: From a historical perspective, this incident holds significant meaning.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, acknowledging different perspectives is important for maintaining harmony and showing respect. Using expressions like 〜から見ると reflects an understanding that opinions and perceptions can vary depending on one's position or background.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Neutral Politeness: 〜から見ると is neither overly formal nor casual, making it suitable for most situations.
• Adjusting Formality: To increase formality, adjust the verbs and sentence endings rather than the grammar point itself.

Idiomatic Expressions

While 〜から見ると is itself an expression about perspective, Japanese also uses phrases like:

• 鳥の目から見ると: Tori no me kara miru to - "From a bird's-eye view"
• 長い目で見ると: Nagai me de miru to - "In the long run" (literally "if viewed with a long eye")

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Using Verbal Phrases Instead of Nouns

• Incorrect: 勉強するから見ると、時間が足りない。
• Correct: 学生から見ると、時間が足りない。
• Explanation: 〜から見ると should follow a noun, representing a perspective or standpoint.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 〜によると

• Incorrect Usage: Using 〜から見ると when 〜によると (according to) is appropriate.
• Example: ニュースから見ると、明日は雨だそうです。 (Incorrect)
• Correction: ニュースによると、明日は雨だそうです。 (Correct)
• Explanation: 〜によると is used when citing a source of information.

Learning Strategies

• Association: Remember 見る means "to see"; think of 〜から見ると as "if we see from ~" to recall it's about perspective.
• Practice with Various Nouns: Replace the noun with different roles to get comfortable:
  • 先生から見ると (From a teacher's perspective)
  • 医者から見ると (From a doctor's point of view)
  • 親から見ると (From a parent's perspective)

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜から見ると is used to express how things appear from a certain viewpoint.
• The structure is [Noun] + から見ると.
• It's important to use a noun representing the perspective.
• Do not confuse 〜から見ると with 〜によると or 〜にとって.

Quick Recap Quiz

Question 1

Fill in the blank with the appropriate particle: 彼_____見ると、その計画は完璧だ。

• Answer: から
  • 彼から見ると、その計画は完璧だ。
  • From his point of view, that plan is perfect.

Question 2

Translate the following sentence into Japanese: "From a student's perspective, exams are stressful."

• Answer:
  • 学生から見ると、試験はストレスが多い。

Question 3

True or False: 〜から見ると can be used after verbs.

• Answer: False
  • Explanation: 〜から見ると should follow a noun, not a verb.

By mastering 〜から見ると, you can express various perspectives and enhance your Japanese communication skills. Keep practicing by forming sentences from different viewpoints!