として | Grammar

Structure

[noun] + として

Description

として means "as", "in the role of": the noun before it is the capacity in which someone acts, or the thing something counts as. It goes straight after a noun.

。

He works as a doctor.

。

I came to Japan as an exchange student.

。

This town is famous as a tourist spot.

。

Please take that as a joke.

Before another noun it takes の: としての.

。

I want to live up to my responsibilities as a parent.

として or にとって

として gives the role a person speaks or acts in. にとって gives the person something matters to: "for me", "to me". English has "as" for one and "for" for the other, but learners still swap them.

、。

As a parent, my child's safety matters most to me.

、。

For me, family matters most.

× 私として、この本は大切です → 私にとって、この本は大切です

Usage notes

These go beyond として on its own.

としては

With は, としては sets a standard to judge by: "for a…". It has its own entry.

。

You're good for a beginner.

Also as, not only as

after a noun is "also as", and pairs with .

、。

He is famous not only as an actor but also as a singer.

Examples

。

She participated in the meeting as an interpreter.

、。

As a teacher, I want to set a good example for my students.

。

This building is protected as a historical heritage site.

、。

I'm saying this as a friend, but you should rest a bit more.

。

He brought the team together as a leader.

、。

I'll bring sweets as a token of thanks.

。

This medicine is used as a treatment for colds.

、。

As a citizen, one should think about environmental issues.

、。

He is famous not only as an actor, but also as a singer.

。

I started cooking as a hobby.

、。

For a child, I think they did a great job.

、。

As a writer representing Japan, they are read all over the world.

References

Standpoint として（は） vs にとって（は）imabi.org
としてBunpro