にして ①
At, Over, In, Only (after, when, or because)
Structure
Noun + にして
Explanation
When the particle に is paired with the て-form of the verb する, it creates an expression that can mean 'at the point of (A)', 'only after reaching (A)', or 'in the space of (A)'. This structure emphasizes that (A) is a significant milestone, a high level, or a prime example of something.
にして can be attached to nouns, including those used with counters.
- 彼は４０歳にして初めて車の免許を取った。He got his driver's license for the first time at the age of 40.
- 三度目の挑戦にして、ようやく試験に合格した。I finally managed to pass the exam on my third attempt.
- 火事で家は一晩にして灰になった。The house was reduced to ashes in a single night due to the fire.
When にして is used, (A) is presented as a significant point or an extreme example. The following statement, (B), then describes a result that either meets or defies the expectations set by (A).
It is common for にして to appear with words like ようやく 'at last', or 初めて 'for the first time'. These additions help to underscore that an event only became possible after reaching the point described by にして.
- 父は退職にしてようやく、趣味の時間を持てるようになった。Upon retirement, my father was finally able to make time for his hobbies.
- お祖父さんは８０歳にして初めて、パソコンを使い始めた。My grandfather started using a computer for the first time at the age of 80.
Fun Fact
Much like other grammar points that use conjugations of にする, にして indicates that a specific circumstance is being treated as a key point, from which a new state or event has resulted.
Examples
そのうわさは一瞬にして学校中に広まった。
That rumor spread throughout the entire school in an instant. (only (after/when/because))
祖父は七十歳にして初めてパソコンの使い方を覚えた。
My grandfather learned how to use a computer for the first time at the age of 70. (only (after/when/because))
この繊細な味は、一流のシェフにして初めて出せるものである。
This delicate flavor is something that only a top-class chef could achieve.
応援し続けて１０年目にして、ようやくひいきのチームが優勝した。
After 10 years of cheering for them, my favorite team finally won the championship. (only (after/when/because))
たった一度の失敗で一夜にして人気を失ったあの俳優が、また舞台に立つことはないでしょう。
That actor who lost his popularity overnight from a single mistake will probably never stand on stage again.
四十歳にして、もう会社の社長だなんて、あなたは本当に優秀なんですね！
To think that you're already the company president at 40 years old, you must be truly exceptional!
今にして思えば、あの時もっと正直に話すべきだった。
Looking back on it now, I should have spoken more honestly at that time. (only (after/when/because))
ゲームの達人：「最強のボスも、このアイテムを使えば一撃にして倒せるよ。」
Gaming master: 'Even the strongest boss can be defeated in a single blow if you use this item.' (only (after/when/because))
長年勤めた会社を定年目前にして辞めるなんて、よほどの事があったに違いない。
Quitting the company you worked at for so long just before retirement, there must have been some extraordinary reason.
何度も挑戦し、５回目の受験にしてようやく運転免許を取ることができた。
After many attempts, it was only on my 5th try taking the test that I was finally able to get my driver's license.
８０歳にして初めてスマートフォンを使い始めた祖母の姿を見て、学びに年齢は関係ないと感じた。
Seeing my grandmother start using a smartphone for the first time at 80 years old, I felt that age really has nothing to do with learning.
高校生にしてプロの棋士になった彼は天才と呼ばれており、公式戦ではまだ一度も負けたことがない。
He, who became a professional shogi player while still in high school, is called a genius and has not yet lost a single official match.