〜にして

Even; at the point of; to the extent of

1. Overview

「〜にして」 is an expression in Japanese used to emphasize a degree reached under a certain state, condition, or time point. It can indicate an exception or a specific situation, as well as highlight a certain outcome.

2. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Noun + にして
  • Verb (dictionary form) + にして
  • Adjective + にして

• Explanation: 「にして」 indicates that something is reached or considered at a specific state or condition, and it can be combined with preceding nouns or verbs to emphasize the mentioned state or condition.

3. Usage Explanation

• Connection: It can attach to nouns, verbs, and adjectives to emphasize the uniqueness of a certain state.

• Usage: Commonly used to describe special examples, conditions, or results. It can express that a fact does not change even under certain circumstances or to emphasize the uniqueness of a particular thing.

• Translation: Typically translated as “even...,” “at the point of...,” or “to the extent of...”.

4. Alternative Grammar

• 〜にあたる: Indicates a specific situation, occasion, or time point.

5. Similar Grammar

• 〜でさえ: Indicates that even in a certain situation, emphasizing exceptions or specialties.
• 〜ともなれば: Used to indicate things or results that arise in a certain state.

6. Key Points to Note

• Context: 「にして」 is usually used in written or formal situations to emphasize a specific state or condition.

• Degree of Emphasis: It emphasizes the degree reached under certain conditions and is often more noticeable when combined with negative expressions.

7. Example Sentences

1. 彼は学生にしては、非常に優秀だ。
   Even as a student, he is very outstanding.

2. こんな難しい問題を解けるのは、あなたにしては珍しい。
   Solving such a difficult problem is rare for you.

3. この仕事は一流の専門家にしては、難しい。
   This job is difficult even for top experts.

4. 彼女は子供にしては、非常に大人びている。
   Even as a child, she appears very mature.

5. 彼は50歳にして、まだ若々しい。
   At the age of 50, he still looks young.

8. Summary

「〜にして」 is used to emphasize a degree reached under a specific state, condition, or time point, highlighting its uniqueness and specialness. It is applicable in various contexts, allowing flexible expression of the characteristics of states and conditions.