Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~として (〜to shite)

~として (〜to shite)

Short explanation:

Indicates a role, capacity, or identity; 'as', 'in the capacity of'.

Formation:

Verb-casual + として, い-Adjective + として, な-Adjective + だとして, Noun + だとして

Examples:

彼は弁護士として働いています。
Kare wa bengoshi to shite hataraite imasu.
He is working as a lawyer.
この料理はスナックとして食べられます。
Kono ryouri wa sunakku to shite taberaremasu.
This dish can be eaten as a snack.
彼女はリーダーとして尊敬されている。
Kanojo wa riidaa to shite sonkei sarete iru.
She is respected as a leader.
この本は参考書として使われます。
Kono hon wa sankousho to shite tsukawaremasu.
This book is used as a reference.

Long explanation:

The ~として grammar point is used to express a role, capacity, or identity in which someone or something functions. It can be translated as 'as' or 'in the capacity of' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~として (〜to shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~として (〜to shite)

~として (〜to shite)

1. Introduction

Understanding how to express roles, capacities, or qualifications in Japanese is crucial for effective communication. The grammar point ~として (〜to shite) is used to indicate "as" or "in the role of" someone or something. This lesson will delve into the usage, structure, and nuances of ~として, providing clear explanations and examples to enhance your Japanese language proficiency.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~として means "as" or "in the capacity of."
  • It highlights the role, status, function, or capacity of a person or thing in a sentence.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[ Noun ] + として
  • Noun: A word representing a role, status, qualification, or capacity.
  • として: A particle meaning "as" or "in the role of."

Formation Diagram

┌──────────┐   ┌───────┐
│   Noun   │ + │ として │
└──────────┘   └───────┘

Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown

Component Function
Noun Indicates the role or status
として Connects the noun to the main action, meaning "as"

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  • ~としては (〜to shite wa): "As for (role)," used to present a viewpoint or to make a contrasting statement.
  • ~としても (〜to shite mo): "Even as (role)," used to express a hypothetical or concessive condition.
  • ~にとって (〜ni totte): "For (someone)," indicates a perspective or opinion.

Nuances and Differences

  • ~として focuses on the role or capacity in which someone acts.
  • ~にとって expresses subjective opinions or feelings from someone's perspective.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

Formal Context

  1. 私は外交官として日本に赴任しました。
    • Watashi wa gaikōkan to shite Nihon ni funin shimashita.
    • "I was assigned to Japan as a diplomat."
  2. この製品は試作品として提供されます。
    • Kono seihin wa shisakuhin to shite teikyō saremasu.
    • "This product is offered as a prototype."

Informal Context

  1. 友達として助けたいんだ。
    • Tomodachi to shite tasuketai nda.
    • "I want to help as a friend."
  2. 彼を兄として尊敬している。
    • Kare o ani to shite sonkei shite iru.
    • "I respect him as an older brother."

Written Context

  1. 彼女は作家として有名になった。
    • Kanojo wa sakka to shite yūmei ni natta.
    • "She became famous as a writer."
  2. この町は観光地として発展してきた。
    • Kono machi wa kankōchi to shite hatten shite kita.
    • "This town has developed as a tourist spot."

Spoken Context

  1. 先生として一言言わせてください。
    • Sensei to shite hitokoto iwasete kudasai.
    • "Please allow me to say something as a teacher."
  2. 新人として頑張ります!
    • Shinjin to shite ganbarimasu!
    • "I'll do my best as a newcomer!"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • In Japanese culture, social roles and group affiliations are significant.
  • Using ~として reflects an awareness of one's position and responsibilities within a group or society.

Politeness and Formality

  • The grammar point itself is neutral but can be used in both formal and informal situations.
  • Adjust the surrounding language to match the desired level of politeness.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 代表として (daihyō to shite) - "as a representative"
  • 責任者として (sekininsha to shite) - "as the person in charge"
  • 親善大使として (shinzen taishi to shite) - "as a goodwill ambassador"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Using として with Verbs Directly
    • Incorrect: 走るとして頑張った。
      (Hashiru to shite ganbatta.)
    • Correct: ランナーとして頑張った。
      (Rannā to shite ganbatta.)
      "I did my best as a runner."
  2. Misplacing として in the Sentence
    • Incorrect: として彼は優秀な医者です。
    • Correct: 彼は優秀な医者として知られている。
      "He is known as an excellent doctor."

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember "として" as "To State" one's role.
  • Practice Tip: Think of your own roles and create sentences, e.g., 学生として日本語を勉強しています。 ("I'm studying Japanese as a student.")

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~として means "as" or "in the capacity of" and is used to indicate roles or statuses.
  • It follows a noun representing a role, position, or capacity.
  • Applicable in various contexts: formal, informal, spoken, and written.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: 彼女は母親___、子供たちを守る。 a) にとって
    b) として
    c) としても
    Answer: b) として
  2. True or False: ~として can be used directly after a verb. Answer: False
  3. Translate the following sentence into Japanese: "We will participate as a team." Answer: 私たちはチームとして参加します。

By mastering ~として, you enhance your ability to describe roles and capacities, making your Japanese communication more precise and natural. Practice using it in different contexts to become more comfortable with its usage.

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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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