は～となっている
It is (has been), Have/has become, Happen to be, Has been established
Structure
Noun + となっている
Explanation
The pattern (A) は (B) となっている is frequently used to describe a current state of affairs, indicating that '(A) has become (B)' or simply '(A) is (B)'. This grammar point is used with nouns and the stem form (語幹) of な-Adjectives. Because it points to an established result, (A) は (B) となっている often carries the nuance of 'it has been decided that (A) is (B)', '(A) is officially (B)', or 'as it turns out, (A) is (B)'.
Let's examine some example sentences before breaking down how this grammar is constructed.
- このゲームは世界中で大人気となっている。As it turns out, this game is extremely popular all over the world.
- この国では、十八歳未満の飲酒は法律で禁止となっている。In this country, it is legally established that drinking under the age of 18 is forbidden.
- 図書館では携帯電話の使用が禁止となっている。At the library, it's a set rule that using cell phones is not allowed.
While the English translations may vary, the underlying meaning of (A) は (B) となっている remains consistent. We can understand its function by looking at its parts:
(A) は - The topic, (A), is presented as a stable entity.
(B) と - The particle と marks (B) as the outcome or result of some process or decision.
なっている - This indicates 'being in the state of' having reached the result of (B).
- 現代社会ではパソコンが必要となっている。In modern society, computers have become a necessity.
- うちの学校では、髪を染めることが禁止となっている。It is an established rule at my school that dyeing your hair is prohibited.
Combining these parts, the structure conveys that (A) now exists in the state of being (B), often as the result of a formal decision or a natural development.Caution
(A) は (B) となっている is sometimes interchangeable with (A) は (B) になっている. However, using に instead of と removes the nuance of a completed or official outcome. As a result, になっている simply describes a process of change—that (A) is in the process of becoming (B)—rather than stating a settled fact.
- 現代社会ではパソコンが必要になっている。In modern society, computers are becoming a necessity.
Caution
In formal writing, such as news reports, となっていて is frequently replaced by its more literary equivalent, となっており. While おる can be a formal version of いる, in this set phrase, となっており is the standard formal connector.
- その店は来週から休業となっており、営業の再開は来月の予定です。The store is set to be closed starting next week, and it is scheduled to reopen next month.
Examples
図書館内での飲食は禁止となっています。
It has been established that eating and drinking inside the library is prohibited.
スマートフォンは現代人の必需品となっている。
Smartphones have become a necessity for people today.
この会社の男女比はほぼ１対１となっている。
The male-to-female ratio at this company is set at approximately 1 to 1.
あの台風が町の大きな被害の原因となっている。
That typhoon has been identified as the cause of the town's major damage.
このエリアが禁煙となっていて、喫煙所はあちらにあります。
This area has been designated as non-smoking, and the smoking area is over there.
当店の営業時間は午前１０時から午後８時までとなっている。
Our store's business hours are set from 10 AM to 8 PM.
そのアニメの舞台となったことで、この町が有名な観光地となっている。
Because it was the setting for that anime, this town has become a famous tourist spot.
会議の開始時間は午後２時となっており、参加者は５分前にはお集まりください。
The meeting start time has been set for 2 PM, so participants are asked to gather five minutes beforehand.
フェイクニュースの拡散は、深刻な社会問題となっている。
The spread of fake news has become a serious social problem.
法律により、自転車に乗る際のヘルメット着用は努力義務となっている。
By law, wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle has been made a mandatory effort.
近年、オンラインショッピングは多くの人にとって主要な買い物の手段となっている。
In recent years, online shopping has become the primary method of shopping for many people.
パスワードは８文字以上となっており、数字と記号を含む必要があります。
The password is required to be eight characters or more, and it must include numbers and symbols.