Japanese grammar
What does ～にしては mean? Japanese grammar N3
～にしては means for ~; considering that ~ (unexpectedly).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + にしては Vる／Vた + にしては |
| Romaji | nishiteha |
| Meaning | for ~; considering that ~ (unexpectedly) |
Forming it
| Noun | 初心者 → 初心者にしては |
|---|---|
| Verb | 習った → 三か月習ったにしては |
How to use it
Takes A as the standard for evaluation, then says the result DEVIATES sharply from that standard. Always carries surprise.
- 「AにしてはB」 = compared to A, B is surprising: 「初心者にしては上手だ」 (surprisingly good for a beginner).
- A must be a concrete STANDARD (occupation, age, experience, price) — not used with a vague standard or an estimated number.
- Different from 「わりに」: 「にしては」 requires a clear standard and always carries surprise; 「わりに」 is softer and can also connect to adjectives 「値段のわりにおいしい」.
Examples
彼女は初心者にしては、上手に泳げる。
For a beginner, she swims very well.
この寿司は値段が安いにしては、ネタが新鮮だ。
For how cheap it is, this sushi has surprisingly fresh toppings.
Keep in mind
- Cannot connect directly to an い-adjective — it must become a noun (「この値段にしては」).
- The second clause always deviates from expectations.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong安いにしては、おいしい。
For this price, it's pretty good.
Correctこの値段にしては、おいしい。
The standard of comparison should be a concrete noun; a bare adjective sounds more natural with 「わりに」.
-
Wrong初心者にしては、下手だ。
Compared to a beginner, that's really bad.
Correct初心者にしては、上手だ。
The clause after must DEVIATE from expectation; “bad for a beginner” matches expectation, so this pattern isn't used.
Exam tips
- 「にしては」 = surprising compared to A; the standard A must be concrete.