としては | Grammar

Structure

[noun] + としては

Description

としては after a noun has two meanings. The first is "for a…": the noun sets the standard you judge by, and the result is usually better or worse than that standard leads you to expect.

、。

For the price, the quality is very good.

、。

For a child, this is a well-written essay.

。

He is excellent for a newcomer.

、。

It was a very cold day for April.

Words like なかなか, まだ and めずらしく珍しく often follow, because the point is how far the thing departs from the norm.

Standpoint

The second meaning is "as far as … is concerned": the noun is the person or body whose position is being stated. With わたくし私 it softens an opinion; with an organisation it gives the official line.

、。

Speaking for myself, I'd like a bit more time.

、。

As a company, we cannot accept this proposal.

、。

As a parent, my child's safety comes first.

としては or として

on its own only names a role. The は is what turns it into a standard or a standpoint set against others.

。

I work as a teacher.

、。

As a teacher, he still lacks experience.

Examples

、。

For December, today is warm, isn't it?

、。

For a first time, that was quite good.

。

For a newcomer, he is excellent.

、。

For Japanese food, this is on the larger side in terms of portion.

、。

As for me (personally), I would like a little more time.

、。

For a student, it was an expensive purchase.

、。

As a doctor, I recommend surgery.

、。

For this area, it was a rare snowfall.

、。

As for the government, they are considering new measures.

、。

For a foreigner, your Japanese is very good.

、。

It was a very cold day for April.

、。

For someone her age, she has good stamina.

References

としてはBunpro