となる (tonaru)

Meaning & usage

となる expresses a change into a new state, role, or status, often translated as become or turn into. It follows a noun or the stem of a na-adjective, as in 社長となる or 有名となる, where と marks the resulting state and なる conjugates for tense and politeness. It has a formal, written tone used for official decisions, announcements, and proverbs, so になる sounds more natural in everyday conversation.

Example sentences 6

1. 無理むりも通とおれば道理どうりとなる。

   Where might is master, justice is servant.

2. 国会は来週休会となる。

   The Diet will go into recess next week.

3. 勝者となることはよいことである。

   It is good to be a winner.

4. 鶏口となるも牛後となるなかれ。

   Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.

5. この部屋は教室となる予定です。

   This room is scheduled to become a classroom.

6. 彼は来月から社長となるそうです。

   I hear he will become the company president from next month.