にとって
To, For, Concerning
Structure
Explanation
The grammar point にとって (occasionally written with kanji as に取って) is used to introduce a specific point of view when stating an opinion or making a judgment. It is typically attached to a person, pronoun, or noun to frame the following statement from their perspective. Common English equivalents are 'for (A)', 'to (A)', or 'as far as (A) is concerned'. Its function is very close to that of から見て, which means 'from (A)'s perspective'.
To form this structure, simply place にとって after a noun or noun phrase. This marks the noun as the source of the viewpoint, evaluation, or feeling that will be described in the sentence.
- ケンジさんにとって、何が一番難しい科目ですか？Kenji, what is the most difficult subject for you?
- 私にとって家族は何よりも重要です。To me, my family is more important than anything else.
- この仕事は彼にとってとても簡単です。For him, this job is very easy.
Fun Fact
This grammar pattern originates from the verb 取る, meaning 'to take'. In this context, it literally implies 'taking (A) as the point of reference', where the particle に identifies (A) as the standpoint. We can think of にとって as having two primary nuances:
の身として - From the personal standpoint of (A). (Used for people)
の立場から見て - From the position/viewpoint of (A). (Used for things/concepts)
- 多くの学生にとって、数学の授業は退屈です。For many students, math class is boring.
- 私にとって、その映画は少し長すぎると思います。As far as I'm concerned, I think that movie is a bit too long.
Examples
学生に取って、宿題はとても大切です。
Homework is very important for students.
私に取って、この写真は幸せな思い出です。
For me, this photograph is a happy memory.
初心者に取って、この本は少し難しいかもしれません。
This book might be a little difficult for a beginner.
このチームに取って、それは大きな勝利でした。
That was a great victory for this team.
若い人に取って、スマートフォンはなくてはならないものです。
For young people, smartphones are indispensable.
プラスチックの使いすぎは、環境に取って良くない。
Using too much plastic is not good for the environment.
犬に取って、飼い主が一番大切な人です。
For a dog, its owner is the most important person.
彼に取って、人前で話すことは大きなストレスだ。
Speaking in front of people is a huge source of stress for him.
お年寄りに取って、この店はとても便利です。
This store is very convenient for the elderly.
あなたに取っては時間の無駄かもしれないが、私には価値がある。
It might be a waste of time for you, but it has value to me.
ゴミの問題は、私たちの町に取って大きな問題です。
The garbage issue is a big problem for our town.
留学生に取って、漢字の勉強が一番大変だと思う。
I think that for foreign students, studying kanji is the most difficult thing.