JLPT N1 Grammar

〜たる (taru)

〜たる (taru)
“Being; As a; In the capacity of; Worthy of”

This expression is used to define the high expectations, responsibilities, or inherent nature that come with a specific status, position, or profession. It is most commonly used to state a moral obligation or a standard that someone in a certain position must uphold.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary. It is an archaic form (the attributive form of the classical auxiliary verb tari).
  • Context: Used in formal speeches, written manifestos, academic essays, or high-level business ethics discussions. You will often see it in the context of leadership, professional responsibility, or "the way things should be."
  • Nuance: It carries a strong sense of "duty" or "ideal." It doesn't just mean "is a..."; it means "occupying the dignified position of..." or "if one is to be called a..." It often precedes a noun that represents a person’s role (e.g., leader, professional, parent).

Format

  • Noun + たる + Noun
    リーダーたるもの、常に冷静でなければならない。Those who are leaders must always remain calm.
    プロたる者、体調管理も仕事のうちだ。As a professional, managing your health is part of the job.
    一国の主たる身として、軽率な発言は慎むべきだ。In the position of a national leader, one should refrain from rash remarks.
    教育者たる人は、常に学生の模範であるべきだ。A person who is an educator should always be a role model for students.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    As an executive, one should prioritize long-term vision over short-term profits.
  • 、。
    In the position of a civil servant, one is required to be aware that they are a servant to the entire public.
  • 、。
    Show accurate data with the dignity worthy of an expert.
  • 、。
    Those who are politicians should cast aside self-interest and devote themselves to the national interest.
  • 、。
    As a parent, it is necessary to show a way of life that you aren't ashamed of in front of your children.
  • 、。
    My pride as a developer does not allow for compromise.
  • 、。
    The military, as the guardian, always puts the safety of the citizens first.
  • 、。
    Based on my duties as a lawyer, I will strictly observe the obligation of confidentiality.
  • 。
    He possesses a presence worthy of a champion.
  • 。
    He does not have the qualifications worthy of being a doctor (used here to mean he lacks the character/ethics).

Similar Grammar

〜として (toshite)

“As; in the capacity of” リーダーとしてチームを支える。 I support the team as a leader.

Difference:

  • 〜として is neutral and functional. It simply states a role.
  • 〜たる is far more formal and emphasizes the ideal or ethical duty inherent in that role.

〜ともあろう (to mo arou)

“Of all people (for someone of such high status)...” 大臣ともあろう方が、そんな失言をするなんて。 For someone who is a Minister, to make such a slip of the tongue...

Difference:

  • 〜ともあろう is used to express surprise or criticism when someone of high status does something unexpected or disappointing.
  • 〜たる focuses on what they should do.

〜べく (beku)

“In order to; aiming to” プロの作家たるべく、毎日執筆に励む。 I strive to write every day in order to be a professional writer.

Difference:

  • 〜べく indicates a purpose or goal.
  • 〜たるべく combines the meaning of "aiming to be in the worthy position of..."

〜にあるまじき (ni aru majiki)

“Unacceptable for; improper for” 教育者にあるまじき行為だ。 It is an act unacceptable for an educator.

Difference:

  • This is the negative counterpart to the "duty" logic of 〜たる.
  • While 〜たる describes what one should be, 〜にあるまじき describes what is absolutely forbidden for someone in that role.

〜としたことが (to shita koto ga)

“For someone like... (to make a mistake)” 私としたことが、こんな単純なミスをするなんて。 For someone like me, to make such a simple mistake.

Difference:

  • Similar to 〜ともあろう, but often used for oneself or someone the speaker respects to express chagrin at a specific failure.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. の（　　　）、のをに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. は（　　　）を、のを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）、にまでにのはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. （　　　）、のとでことが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）、のはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. の（　　　）には、ながである。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）からと、このはです。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. の（　　　）が、このようなにしていたとはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. に（　　　）、のをのはのだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のには、（　　　）が。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）、がをがだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. （　　　）から、なを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. の（　　　）、をにようなはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. はの（　　　）としてのを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. の（　　　）をしまった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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