とされる

とされる is a formal expression meaning "is considered (to be)", "is regarded as", or "it is said that". It combines the quotation particle と with される, the passive form of する. The literal sense is close to "it is done/treated as ~", and it is used in academic writing, news reports, official documents, and formal speech to present widely held views, established interpretations, or general consensus without attributing the opinion to a specific individual.

Basic usage – "is considered to be"

When stating that something is generally regarded or classified in a certain way:

とされている (with ている) emphasizes an ongoing state of being considered, while とされる can have a more timeless or authoritative tone. Both are extremely common and often interchangeable.

Reporting established views – "it is said that"

とされる is used to report information that is widely accepted or claimed by authorities, without the speaker personally vouching for it:

This usage adds a layer of objectivity or hedging – the speaker presents the information as something generally believed rather than as their own assertion.

Comparison with similar expressions

• といわれている言われている – "it is said that" – more conversational and focuses on what people say.
• とかんがえられている考えられている – "it is thought that" – emphasizes reasoning or intellectual judgment.
• とされる – more formal and authoritative, often implying official recognition or established consensus.

Common patterns

• Noun + とされる:
  かれ彼はてんさい天才とされている。

  He is considered a genius.
• Adj-na + とされる:
  このちいき地域はきけん危険とされている。

  This area is regarded as dangerous.
• Sentence (plain form) + とされる:
  はんこう犯行はしんや深夜におこなわれた行われたとされる。

  The crime is said to have been committed late at night.