たるに
To be (in a position of), As a, For
Structure
Noun + たる + Noun
Explanation
The grammar pattern たるに functions similarly to である, expressing that something 'is (A)'. It is often translated as '(B) in the capacity of (A)' or '(B) as someone who is (A)'. This structure is composed of たる, the attributive form of the classical auxiliary verb たり, followed by the case marking particle に.
たるに is placed after a noun representing a role, position, or status. The phrase that follows it makes a judgment about what is or is not appropriate for that role. This can be used to express both positive and negative evaluations.
- 責任から逃げるようでは、リーダーたるに値しない。If you're going to run away from responsibility, you are not worthy of the position of a leader.
- その仕事ぶりは、プロたるにふさわしいものだと本気で言っているのか。Do you honestly believe that level of performance is suitable for a professional?
While related, たるに is less common than たるもの. This latter form combines たる with the noun 者 ('person'). In this pattern, (A) たる者 specifically means 'a person who holds the position of (A)', and is used to describe the expected behavior or standards of that role. It can be translated as 'as a...' or 'for someone who is a...'.
- 医者たる者、患者の命を第一に考えるべきだ。As doctors, we must always put the lives of our patients first.
- 親たる者、子どもにとって良い手本でなければならない。As a parent, you must be a good role model for your children.
Although たる shares the basic meaning of 'to be' with である, it carries a much stronger emphasis on the qualifications, duties, or standards associated with a particular position. For this reason, たる is not used to make a simple statement of fact that '(B) is (A)'.
Caution
While たる deals with the suitability for a certain role, take care not to confuse it with the u-Verb 足る, which means 'to be enough' or 'to be deserving'.
Fun Fact
The word たり is a contraction of the case marking particle と and the verb あり ('to exist/be'). A similar historical change occurred with なり, which is a blend of に and あり.
Examples
医者たる者は、いかなる時も患者の命を最優先に考えるべきだ。
One who is in the position of a doctor should always consider the patient's life their top priority.
チームのリーダーたる者は、メンバーの意見に耳を傾けなければならない。
A person who is in the position of a team leader must listen to the opinions of the members.
失敗の責任を部下に押し付けるようでは、経営者たる資格がない。
If you're the type to push responsibility for failures onto your subordinates, you're not qualified to be (in the position of) a manager.
警察官たるもの、市民の安全を守るという使命を忘れてはならない。
A (person that is in the position of a) police officer must not forget their duty to protect the safety of the citizens.
親たる者、子どもの手本となるような行動を心がけるべきである。
To be (in the position of) a parent, one ought to strive to act in a way that sets a good example for their children.
社会人たる者、自分の言動に責任を持つべきである。
To be (in the position of) a working adult, one must take responsibility for their own words and actions.
上司が怒っている：「何度も同じミスを繰り返すなんて、プロたるに相応しくない態度だぞ。」
A boss getting angry: 'Making the same mistake over and over again is an attitude not suitable for (someone in the position of) a professional.'
彼の振る舞いは、まさに王者たるに相応しい品格を備えていた。
His conduct truly had a dignity that was fitting for a champion.
インタビューで：「私は、芸術家たる者は常に新しい表現を模索すべきだと考えています。」
In an interview: 'I believe that (someone in the position of) an artist should always be searching for new forms of expression.'
国民のために命を捧げた彼の行動は、英雄たるに値するものだった。
His actions, sacrificing his life for the people, were those worthy of a hero.
平気で嘘をつき、人を裏切るような人間は、人の友人たる資格がない。
A person who lies without a second thought and betrays people is not qualified to be (in the position of) anyone's friend.
武士たるもの、主君のために命を捨てる覚悟がなければならないと言われていた。
It was said that 'to be a samurai', one must be prepared to give their life for their lord.