Meaning & usage
として marks the role, status, or function in which a person or thing acts, and is often translated as as. It attaches directly to a noun, as in 医者として or 道具として, and としては adds contrast when comparing one capacity with others. It is neutral and used in both conversation and formal writing. Be careful to attach it to the role noun itself rather than to a longer description of an action.
Example sentences 5
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40年間、医者として働いておられました。
He worked as a doctor for forty years.
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デザートとしてりんごが出された。
Apples were served as the dessert.
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赤い光は危険信号としてよく用いられる。
A red light is often used as a danger signal.
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ピアニストとしては彼は私よりはるかに優れている。
As a pianist, he is far above me.
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彼は道具として使われた。
He was used as a tool.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 16 past exam questions.
And 12 more tests.
