JLPT N3 grammar
〜にとって — Meaning & Examples
From the standpoint of — nearly always followed by an evaluation. 私にとって難しい = difficult for me. NOT purpose — that is 〜ために.
〜にとって vs 〜として
〜にとって = "from the standpoint of." It sets up whose judgement or evaluation follows — so it is nearly always followed by an opinion, not a fact.
子供にとって、遊びは大切です。
= For children, play is important.
私にとって、家族が一番大切です。
= For me, family matters most.
Careful — にとって is not "for" in the sense of purpose.
❌ 私にとってコーヒーを買った。
✅ 私のためにコーヒーを買った。 = He bought coffee for me. (purpose → ために)
にとって = a viewpoint 👓
ために = a beneficiary or purpose 🎁
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〜として = "in the capacity of." The role, function or status someone or something occupies.
医者として、それは許せません。
= As a doctor, I cannot allow that.
この部屋は倉庫として使っています。
= We use this room as a storeroom.
留学生として日本に来ました。
= I came to Japan as an exchange student.
〜としては adds "speaking personally / as far as ~ is concerned":
私としては、賛成です。 = Personally, I'm in favour.
〜としても = "even as / even if":
冗談としても、ひどい。 = Even as a joke, that's awful.
Practice questions
Try these 3 questions on 〜にとって. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. 環境問題＿＿話し合いました。Which fits?
- について (ni tsuite)
- に対して (ni taishite)
- にとって (ni totte)
- として (toshite)
Show answer
Answer: について (ni tsuite)
について marks the topic of discussion. You discuss ABOUT a problem, not "toward" it.
2. 学生の質問＿＿、先生は丁寧に答えた。Which fits?
- について
- に対して
- にとって
- として
Show answer
Answer: に対して
に対して marks the target — the answer is directed AT the questions. Also used for attitudes and ratios.
3. 私＿＿、家族が一番大切です。Which fits?
- について
- に対して
- にとって
- として
Show answer
Answer: にとって
にとって = from the standpoint of, and is nearly always followed by an evaluation or opinion.
Practise 〜にとって in the free app
This point is part of the “🔗 About, Toward, For, As — について・に対して・にとって・として” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N3 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N3 grammar points
From the same lesson: 🔗 About, Toward, For, As — について・に対して・にとって・として
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜にとって mean?
From the standpoint of — nearly always followed by an evaluation. 私にとって難しい = difficult for me. NOT purpose — that is 〜ために.
Is 〜にとって on the JLPT N3 test?
〜にとって is taught in the JLPT N3 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “🔗 About, Toward, For, As — について・に対して・にとって・として”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜にとって?
Open the “🔗 About, Toward, For, As — について・に対して・にとって・として” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N3 mock exams, with no ads.