Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 6: 14/20

としてはAs a, For a, As for

Structure

Noun + としては

Details

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About としては

Like として, a grammar point meaning 'as', としては functions as an extension of this, with the は particle merely emphasizing the (A) subject as a stand-alone entity that is about to be compared with something, or that the speaker is assuming the result of (B), from the standpoint of (A). としては may be translated as 'as (A)', or 'for an (A)'. (A) will frequently highlight a person or organization in cases where the speaker is making an assumption from that standpoint.

This structure will be used after nouns, and is a combination of と, the て-form of する, and は. The literal translation is something similar to 'going off that (A) is (A), (B)'.

In cases where the noun connected to としては is not a person or organization, the translation will often simply be 'as for'. In these sentences, としては is merely highlighting the broad topic of (A), before the speaker offers their thoughts about what applies to that topic.

In contrast to にしては, としては is more frequently used to make broad judgements taking into consideration all aspects of (A), and what would usually be expected of (A), rather than for giving personal opinions.

Examples

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    概論(がいろん)としては、まだ不十分(ふじゅうぶん)です。

    For an outline, it still needs work.

    晴(は)れ着(ぎ)としては、ぼろすぎないか？

    For your Sunday best (clothes), aren't they a little raggedy?

    アイデアとしてはいいが、実現(じつげん)するのは難(むずか)しい。

    As an idea, that is good. However, it will be difficult in practice.

    イメージとしては分(わ)かりますが、説明(せつめい)が曖昧(あいまい)すぎます。

    As a mental image I understand, but the explanation is too vague.

    趣味(しゅみ)としてはいいが、編物(あみもの)だけで食(た)べていくのは難(むずか)しい。

    As a hobby it is fine, but it is difficult to make a living off of just knitting.

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としては – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

  • FredKore

    FredKore

    Just pondering…

    • This grammar point is translated as “for” or “as”.
    • English grammar often occurs in phrases – such as “jump out”, “jump in”, “jump on” – which is different than just “jump”.

    I wonder if this grammar point としては might be better thought of as “for a __” or “as a __”, because it’s usually translated like that and it functions like that phrase.
    I guess when I see “for” by itself, I think of things like ～ため (for this reason) or ～てくれる、～てあげる (for me, for someone), where there’s an object directly tied to the word/point.

    My two cents.

  • Pushindawood

    Pushindawood

    Thank you for your suggestion! I have updated the grammar point’s meaning page and example sentences to highlight “as a” or “for a” instead of just “as” and “for.” Cheers!

  • FredKore

    FredKore

    Oh, so it was a good suggestion? Awesome!
    Thank you for taking feedback from all of us!

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