Processing keyword: ～とされる (〜to sareru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～とされる (〜to sareru)

Japanese Grammar: ～とされる (〜to sareru)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～とされる (to sareru) is often used to express the idea of something being considered, regarded, or believed in a certain way. It primarily appears in a passive form and is an essential structure for conveying opinions, beliefs, or general societal views.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The expression ～とされる conveys a sense of acceptance, acknowledgement, or belief regarding a certain idea or fact.
• Structure:
  • Base Form: [Noun] + とされる
  • Verb: [Verb (dictionary form)] + とされる
  • This structure implies that the noun or verb is regarded in a particular way by someone, often reflecting a broader societal belief.

Formation Diagram

  -----------------------------------------
 |           Active Voice                 |
 |                                       |
 |   (Someone considers/regards X)      |
 |                                       |
 |   Subject + [verb/phrase] + とされる     |
 |                                       |
 |           Passive Voice                |
 |                                       |
 |   (X is considered/regarded by people)|
 |                                       |
 |   [Noun/Verb] + とされる              |
  -----------------------------------------

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～と思われる (to omowareru):

  • This structure means "is thought to be" and is used to express a subjective opinion directly.
  • Example: 彼は成功すると思われている。(He is thought to be successful.)

• ～と見なされる (to minasareru):

  • This means "is regarded as" and often implies a more formal or judgmental stance.
  • Example: 彼はリーダーと見なされている。(He is regarded as a leader.)

Differences

• ～とされる is broader and can refer to societal consensus or belief without implying a specific opinion.
• ～と思われる conveys more of a subjective opinion.
• ～と見なされる often carries a judgmental tone.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • この地域の温暖化は影響が大きいとされる。
   • (It is regarded that the impact of global warming in this region is significant.)
2. Informal Context:
   • 彼は天才だとされているけど、自分ではそう思っていない。
   • (He is considered a genius, but he doesn’t think so himself.)
3. Written Context:
   • 最新の研究では、日本の働き方が効率的とはされていない。
   • (Recent research does not consider Japan's work style to be efficient.)
4. Spoken Context:
   • この映画は面白いとされているから、みんな見た方がいいよ。
   • (This movie is regarded as interesting, so everyone should watch it.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, societal views and consensus are highly valued. The use of ～とされる reflects attentiveness to collective beliefs, often found in discussions about social issues or cultural phenomena. It underscores respect for the opinions of others and commonly appears in media, academia, and formal conversations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 良いとされる (yoi to sareru): "is regarded as good."
• 一般的にそうとされる (ippanteki ni sou to sareru): "is generally regarded that way."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusing with ～と思う (to omou) and using it for personal beliefs.
  • Correction: Remember that ～とされる is about general consensus, not personal opinion.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of “to sareru” as being “to say” in a passive sense; you are hearing what society "says" about a subject.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～とされる is used to express general beliefs or societal views.
• It is formed by attaching とされる to nouns or verbs.
• It differs from similar structures by highlighting societal consensus rather than personal opinions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～とされる mean?
2. Provide one example sentence using ～とされる.
3. How does ～とされる differ from ～と思われる?

Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further clarification about this grammar point!