Processing keyword: ～にしては (〜ni shite wa)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にしては (〜ni shite wa)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～にしては (〜ni shite wa) is a Japanese expression used to indicate that something is unexpected or surprising, considering the standard or norm set by the preceding phrase. It can be translated as "considering", "for", or "given" in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～にしては is used when the outcome or situation is different from what one would normally expect based on the information before にしては. It expresses a sense of contradiction between expectations and reality.

• Translation equivalents: "for", "considering", "even though", "despite"

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb (casual form)] + にしては
[Noun] + にしては

Components

• Verb (casual form): Plain form of the verb (past or present)
• Noun: Any noun representing a standard or expectation
• にしては: Particle indicating contradiction or unexpectedness

Examples of Formation

• Verb example: 食べたにしては (tabeta ni shite wa) - "Considering (I) ate"
• Noun example: 初心者にしては (shoshinsha ni shite wa) - "For a beginner"

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3. Comparative Analysis

～わりに (〜wari ni)

Both ～にしては and ～わりに express a contrast between expectation and reality.

• ～にしては: Emphasizes that something is unexpectedly different from the standard.
• ～わりに: Indicates that something is different from what one would normally think, often used with a sense of proportionality. Example Comparison
• にしては: 彼は新人にしては仕事が上手です。
  • "He is good at his job for a newcomer." (Surprisingly good)
• わりに: 彼は年齢のわりに落ち着いている。
  • "He is calm considering his age." (Proportionally calm)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 彼は日本人にしては背が高い。
   • Kare wa Nihonjin ni shite wa se ga takai.
   • Translation: He is tall for a Japanese person.
2. 初めて作ったにしてはおいしくできた。
   • Hajimete tsukutta ni shite wa oishiku dekita.
   • Translation: Considering it's my first time making it, it turned out delicious.
3. 雨が降ったにしては道が乾いている。
   • Ame ga futta ni shite wa michi ga kawaite iru.
   • Translation: Despite the fact that it rained, the roads are dry.
4. 彼女は初心者にしてはとても上手に運転できます。
   • Kanojo wa shoshinsha ni shite wa totemo jōzu ni unten dekimasu.
   • Translation: She can drive very well for a beginner.
5. 今日は夏にしては涼しい。
   • Kyō wa natsu ni shite wa suzushii.
   • Translation: It's cool today for summer.

Context Variations

• Formal Speech: Usage remains the same; politeness is adjusted in verbs and endings.
• Informal Speech: Common in daily conversations among friends or family.
• Written Language: Used in essays or articles to express unexpected findings or observations.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding ～にしては helps in comprehending Japanese expectations and norms. For example, saying someone is "tall for a Japanese person" acknowledges general height trends in Japan.

Levels of Politeness

The politeness in sentences using ～にしては depends on the surrounding verbs and context. ～にしては itself is neutral and can be used in both polite and casual speech.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with ～としては (〜toshite wa):
   • ～としては means "as" or "in the capacity of."
   • Tip: Remember that ～にしては implies a contrast, whereas ～としては indicates a role or capacity.
2. Using it without a standard for comparison:
   • Incorrect: 彼はにしては優しい。
     • Missing the standard. For what is he kind?
   • Correct: 彼は見た目にしては優しい。
     • "He is kind considering his appearance."

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of にしては as "Into (に) considering (しては)," where you're stepping into someone/something to consider an unexpected result.
• Practice: Create sentences comparing expectations vs reality in your daily life.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～にしては is used to express an unexpected result based on a certain standard.
• It often translates to "for", "considering", or "despite."
• It requires a noun or verb before it that sets up the expectation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank:
   • 子供___してはよく知っている。
   • a) に
   • b) にしては
   • c) としては
2. True or False:
   • ～にしては and ～としては have the same meaning.
3. Choose the correct translation for the following sentence:
   • 彼は運動したにしてはあまり汗をかいていない。
     • a) He didn't sweat much even though he exercised.
     • b) He sweated a lot because he exercised.
     • c) Considering he didn't exercise, he sweated a lot.

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Answers

1. b) にしては
2. False
3. a) He didn't sweat much even though he exercised.

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By understanding and practicing ～にしては, you can more accurately express contrasts between expectations and reality in Japanese.

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