に言わせると
If you ask, In … opinion, According to
Structure
(1) に言わせると、に言わせたら
Explanation
The phrase に言わせれば connects to a noun and is used to introduce the strong opinion of that person or group. It often translates to 'in (A)'s opinion, (B)' or 'according to (A), (B)'. The literal construction means 'if (A) is permitted to say so', as it is formed by the particle に, the verb 言う (to say), the conditional form of the auxiliary verb せる (to let/allow), and the conjunction particle ば.
To form a sentence with this grammar, place it directly after the noun that identifies the person or group whose perspective is being shared.
- 僕に言わせれば、この映画は今年のベストワンだ。In my opinion, this movie is the best one of the year.
- みんなは難しいと言うが、先生に言わせれば、このテストはまだ易しいそうだ。Everyone says it's difficult, but according to the teacher, this test is still on the easy side.
- 医者に言わせれば、毎日ちゃんと野菜を食べるべきだそうです。According to the doctor, I should be eating vegetables properly every day.
While other conditional forms like と or たら can technically be used, ば is overwhelmingly the most frequent choice. Furthermore, since this expression can carry a nuance of being overly assertive, it is wise to use it in moderation, especially when expressing your own perspective.
On occasion, you may see the particle から used in place of に.
- 私から言わせれば、彼の言い訳は全く意味がわからない。From my point of view, his excuse makes absolutely no sense.
Caution
When dealing with the auxiliary verbs せる and させる, it is useful to know that に generally marks the agent who is being permitted to act, which is the case with this grammar point. In contrast, を is more often used when the agent is being compelled to perform an action.
Examples
みんなはそのレストランが最高だというけれど、食いしん坊の僕に言わせれば、値段が高いだけでごく普通の味だよ。
Everyone says that restaurant is the best, but if you ask me, a foodie, it's just overpriced for a very ordinary taste.
専門家たちに言わせれば、この新しい技術は社会を大きく変える可能性を秘めているそうだ。
According to the experts, this new technology supposedly holds the potential to greatly change society.
彼の絵は評価されているが、美術を学んだ私に言わせれば、まだ改善の余地が多いと感じる。
His paintings are highly praised, but if you ask me, someone who has studied art, I feel there's still a lot of room for improvement.
みんなはあの映画を絶賛しているけど、僕に言わせれば、ただ退屈なだけだった。
Everyone is raving about that movie, but in my opinion, it was just plain boring.
田中監督に言わせれば、試合に勝つ鍵はチームワークにあるとのことだ。
According to Coach Tanaka, the key to winning the game lies in teamwork.
旅行の計画を立てている：「飛行機は早いけど、俺にいわせれば、景色を楽しめる新幹線が一番だね。」
Planning a trip: 'Planes are fast, but if you ask me, the Shinkansen is the best because you can enjoy the scenery.'
祖母に言わせれば、昔は携帯電話がなくても全く不便じゃなかったのだとか。
If you ask my grandmother, she'll tell you things like how it wasn't inconvenient at all back in the day, even without cell phones.
IT企業で働く兄に言わせると、これからはプログラミングのスキルが必須になるらしい。
If you ask my older brother, who works at an IT company, programming skills will apparently become essential from now on.
長年ペットを飼ってきた彼女に言わせれば、動物は言葉を話さなくても気持ちが伝わるものだという。
If you ask her, who has owned pets for many years, she'll tell you that you can understand an animal's feelings even if it doesn't speak.
地元の農家の人に言わせると、今年は天気が良かったので野菜がとてもおいしいらしい。
According to the local farmers, the vegetables are apparently very tasty this year because the weather was good.
先輩の意見：「彼のやり方は効率が悪いって？俺にいわせれば、一番確実な方法なんだよ。」
A senior colleague's opinion: 'You say his method is inefficient? If you ask me, it's the most reliable way to do it.'
多くの人は都会での生活に憧れるが、田舎育ちの私に言わせると、静かな場所のほうがずっと魅力的に見える。
Many people long for life in the city, but if you ask me, someone who grew up in the countryside, a quiet place seems far more appealing.
経験豊富な弁護士に言わせれば、その契約書にはいくつか危険な条項が含まれているとのことだ。
According to the highly experienced lawyer, that contract apparently contains several risky clauses.