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As someone who is; in the role of
Definition
The grammar pattern ～たるもの emphasizes the duties, responsibilities, or ideal behavior expected of someone in a high-status position, professional role, or specific capacity. It is a formal expression used to convey a sense of obligation, duty, or expectation associated with a particular role or position. This pattern is often used to highlight the importance of upholding certain standards or behaviors in a given context.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb form: -taru | ~たるものは~ | 国の指導者たるものは常に国民の幸福を第一に考えるべきだ |
| Verb form: -taru | ~たるものは~する | プロの演奏家たるものは舞台に立つ以上は完璧な演奏を目指さなければならない |
| Verb form: -taru | ~たるものは~するべきだ | 一国の主権者たるものは政治への関心を失ってはいけない |
Examples
国の指導者たるものは常に国民の幸福を第一に考えるべきだ
kuni no shidōsha taru mono wa tsune ni kokumin no kōfuku o daiichi ni kangaeru beki da
As a leader of the country, one should always prioritize the well-being of the citizens.
kuni no shidōsha (leader of the country) taru (as) mono (someone) wa (subject marker) tsune ni (always) kokumin no kōfuku (well-being of the citizens) o (object marker) daiichi ni (first) kangaeru (consider) beki (should) da (polite form of 'to be')
プロの演奏家たるものは舞台に立つ以上は完璧な演奏を目指さなければならない
puro no ensōka taru mono wa butai ni tatsu yū wa kanpeki na ensō o mezasa naka nai
As a professional musician, one should strive for perfection in every performance.
puro no ensōka (professional musician) taru (as) mono (someone) wa (subject marker) butai ni tatsu (to stand on stage) yū wa (above) kanpeki na ensō (perfect performance) o (object marker) mezasa (strive for) naka nai (cannot be absent)
一国の主権者たるものは政治への関心を失ってはいけない
ichi no kuni no shukensha taru mono wa seiji e no kannin o usatte wa ikenai
As the sovereign of a country, one should not lose interest in politics.
ichi no kuni no shukensha (sovereign of a country) taru (as) mono (someone) wa (subject marker) seiji e no kannin (interest in politics) o (object marker) usatte (lose) wa (polite form of 'to be') ikenai (should not be)
Context
This pattern is used in formal writing and speech to emphasize the duties and responsibilities associated with a particular role or position. It is often used in contexts where a high level of professionalism or expertise is expected. In contrast to ～として, which is used to describe someone's role or position in a more general sense, ～たるもの emphasizes the specific duties and responsibilities associated with that role.
Watch out
～たるもの is used to emphasize the duties and responsibilities associated with a particular role or position, which is often associated with high status or professionalism. Using it with nouns representing low-status or casual roles can come across as inappropriate or pretentious.
～ともあろうものが is used to express criticism or disappointment, whereas ～たるもの emphasizes the duties and responsibilities associated with a particular role or position.
～たるもの is used in formal writing and speech to emphasize the duties and responsibilities associated with a particular role or position. Using it in casual, everyday conversation can come across as overly formal or pretentious.
Strategy
When using ～たるもの in the JLPT exam, be sure to emphasize the duties and responsibilities associated with a particular role or position. Pay attention to the context and the level of formality required. In multiple-choice questions, choose the answer that best emphasizes the duties and responsibilities associated with the role or position.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～たるもの used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
国の指導者たるもの、常に国民の幸福を第一に考えるべきだ。
Pattern used: たるもの
「たるもの」は、指導者などの高い地位にある者にふさわしい理想や義務を述べる際に使われます。
プロの演奏家たるもの、舞台に立つ以上は完璧な演奏を目指さなければならない。
Pattern used: たるもの
プロとしての自覚や当然の姿勢を強調するため、格調高い「たるもの」が最適です。
一国の主権者たるもの、政治への関心を失ってはいけない。
Pattern used: たるもの
主権者としての心構えを説く文脈なので、期待される姿を表す「たるもの」を選びます。
Interactive
国の指導者______、常に国民の幸福を第一に考えるべきだ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.