What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'watashi' (I/me), 'to shite' (as/in the capacity of) and the topic marker 'wa' (as for).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
私としては is suitable for most standard polite and professional situations. For a more polite and nuanced way to express your opinion, you can use 私に関して言えば (Watashi ni kanshite ieba). In informal settings, men often replace the word for "I" to change the tone: 僕としては (boku to shite wa) is common in casual or semi-formal speech, while 俺は (ore wa) is a more assertive and masculine way to say "as for me". For females, 私は (watashi wa) can be used as a neutral option in both formal and informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as a topic-setting adverbial phrase that introduces a personal stance or position.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi to shite wa
Did you know?
- If you want to sound extremely humble when expressing a personal opinion, you can replace 'watashi' with the much more formal 私共としては (watakushidomo to shite wa), which implies 'as for us/our side'.
- In Japanese culture, starting a sentence with 私としては (watashi to shite wa) can signal that the speaker is preparing to disagree with the group to avoid direct conflict.
- The phrase としては (to shite wa) can also be used to express a standard or a criteria, such as 'as a rule' or 'as a baseline', moving far beyond its use for personal opinions.
Examples in context
- 私としては、満足してます。As for me, I'm satisfied.This sentence is useful for expressing your own level of satisfaction using 私としては.Tatoeba #9823797 by bunbuku, translation #9345028 by CK
- 私としては、こっちの方が好き。As for me, I like this better.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference using 私としては.Tatoeba #11559365 by small_snow, translation #249623 by CM
- この計画について、私自身は大いに賛成です。As for this plan, I personally strongly agree.
- 私としては、その計画に反対です。watashi to shite wa, sono keikaku ni hantai desu.As for me, I am opposed to that plan.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing which movie to watch.
- 結衣 Yui蓮君は、どっちの映画が見たい？ren-kun wa, docchi no eiga ga mitai?Ren, which movie do you want to see?
- 蓮 Ren僕はアクション系がいいな。boku wa akushon kei ga ii na.I'd prefer an action movie.
- 結衣 Yui私としては、恋愛映画の方がいいんだけど。watashi to shite wa, ren'ai eiga no hou ga ii ndakedo.As for me, I'd rather see a romance movie.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、中間をとってコメディにしようか。jaa, chuukan o totte komedi ni shiyou ka.Then, shall we compromise and watch a comedy?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
