としては
As a, For a, As for
Structure
Explanation
Building on the grammar point として ('as'), としては uses the particle は to single out the noun (A). This often serves to introduce a judgment or evaluation made from the viewpoint of (A), or to contrast it with something else. Common translations include 'for a(n) (A)' or 'from the perspective of (A)'. The noun (A) is often a person, profession, or group, framing the statement that follows.
This grammar pattern follows a noun and is formed by the particle と, the て-form of the verb する, and the particle は. A very literal interpretation would be something like 'doing as (A), then... (B)'.
- あの先生は教師としては優しいけど、授業はちょっとつまらない。As a teacher, she's kind, but her classes are a little boring.
- あの店は１００円ショップとしては品質が高い方だ。I'd say that shop has pretty high quality, for a 100-yen store.
When the noun before としては is not a person or a group, the meaning is closer to 'in terms of' or 'as for'. This usage serves to frame a topic (A) before the speaker presents their evaluation or opinion about it.
- 計画としては悪くないですが、人手が足りるか心配です。As a plan, it's not bad, but I'm concerned about whether we'll have enough staff.
- ウォーキングは運動としては続けているが、マラソンを走ろうとは思わない。I keep up with walking as exercise, but I have no intention of trying to run a marathon.
Unlike にしては, which often expresses surprise, としては is typically used to make a more general evaluation based on the common standards or expectations associated with (A), rather than expressing a purely personal opinion.
Examples
昼ご飯としては、ちょっと少ないです。
For lunch, it's a little on the small side.
初心者としては、かなり上手じゃないか？
For a beginner, isn't he quite skilled?
デザインとしてはいいが、実用的ではない。
As a design it's good, but it's not very practical.
理由としては分かるけど、ちょっと納得できないな。
I understand it as a reason, but I can't quite accept it.
運動としてはいいけど、ウォーキングだけで痩せるのは難しい。
As exercise it's good, but it's difficult to lose weight just by walking.
値段としては安いが、品質はかなり高い。
For the price it's cheap, but the quality is quite high.
すごいとは思うけど、子供としては要求が厳しすぎる。
I think it's amazing, but for a child, the demands are too strict.
お土産としては十分ですが、これでは食事になりませんね。
As a souvenir it's fine, but you can't make a meal out of this.
まずはそこからだね。第一歩としてはいいんじゃないかな。
Right, let's start from there. As a first step, it seems pretty good.
成績は上がったが、態度としてはまだ問題がある。
His grades have improved, but as for his attitude, there are still some problems.
彼はいい同僚だけど、結婚相手としては見られない。
He is a good colleague, but I can't see him as a marriage partner.
親としては心配だが、子供の気持ちを尊重したい。
As a parent I'm worried, but I want to respect my child's feelings.
みんなは優勝を喜んでいるけど、チームとしては、まだ改善の余地があるらしい。
Everyone is celebrating the championship, but as for the team, it seems they feel there's still room for improvement.