「にしては」- Expressing Unexpected Results

Explanation

Grammar: 『Verb/Noun』+ にしては
This structure is used to indicate that something is unexpected or contrary to what is normally anticipated, often expressing a result that is surprisingly higher or lower than expected. It can be translated as "for..., but..." or "although..., but...".

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
にしては	+ Verb/い-Adjective/な-Adjective/Noun	Indicates that the actual situation differs from the general expectation or norm, emphasizing an unexpected or non-standard fact.

Basic Usage

• Can be used with verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, or nouns.
• When used with verbs, attach to the plain form of the verb.
• When used with い-adjectives, attach directly to the adjective.
• When used with な-adjectives, remove the 「な」 before attaching.

Examples

• この子供こどもは、年齢ねんれいにしては、大人おとなびている。
• Kono kodomo wa, nenrei ni shite wa, otonabiteiru.
• For his age, this child is quite mature.
  

• 昼寝ひるねにしては、長ながすぎた。
• Hirune ni shite wa, nagasugita.
• For a nap, it was too long.
  

• 初はじめての作文さくぶんにしては上手じょうずだ。
• Hajimete no sakubun ni shite wa jouzu da.
• For a first essay, it's well-written.

Deep Dive

「にしては」 is widely used in everyday conversations. When something is described as "にしては," it usually implies a noticeable difference between the speaker's expectations and the actual situation. This structure can be used in various contexts, such as evaluating others, describing things, or expressing feelings.

Examples

• この料理りょうりは、安やすいにしては美味おいしい。
• Kono ryouri wa, yasui ni shite wa oishii.
• For being cheap, this dish is delicious.
  

• 彼かれは、学生がくせいにしては勉強べんきょうができる。
• Kare wa, gakusei ni shite wa benkyou ga dekiru.
• For a student, he is quite good at studying.

Comparison and Differences

Difference between 「にしては」 and 「としては」

Both 「にしては」 and 「としては」 can be translated as "for...," but their usage and meanings differ. 「にしては」 emphasizes a situation that deviates from expectations or standards, while 「としては」 is used to make judgments or evaluations based on a certain position or identity, without a strong comparative meaning.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
にしては	Emphasizes deviation from expectations	日本語にほんごの先生せんせいにしては、日本語にほんごが下手へただ。	For a Japanese teacher, their Japanese is not very good.
としては	Based on identity or position	日本語にほんごの学生がくせいとしては、彼かれの発音はつおんは標準ひょうじゅんだ。	As a Japanese student, his pronunciation is standard.

Difference between 「にしては」 and 「くせに」

Both 「にしては」 and 「くせに」 express a deviation from expectations, but 「くせに」 carries a tone of disdain or criticism, while 「にしては」 is neutral in tone.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
にしては	Neutral expression	あまり練習れんしゅうしていないにしては、上手じょうずに弾ひける。	For not practicing much, they play quite well.
くせに	Carries a critical tone	あまり食たべないくせにくせに、体重たいじゅうが重おもい。	Despite not eating much, they are heavy.

Cultural Context

In Japanese culture, this expression is often used to convey feelings in a subtle and polite manner. It allows the speaker to express their thoughts without making the other person feel criticized or uncomfortable.

Summary

「にしては」 is used to express situations that deviate from expectations, emphasizing unexpected results. Comparing it with 「としては」 and 「くせに」 helps to better understand its usage and emotional nuances.