Kumi logo
    Kumi

    Learn Japanese. Where understanding folds into fluency.

    Dictionary

    KanjiKanji vocabularyKana vocabularyKanaRadicalsGrammarJLPT N5

    Learn

    GuidesStart where you areWhat is KMT?RoadmapFAQ

    Connect

    EmailDiscordInstagramThreadsTikTokYouTubeLinkedInBlueskyX

    Newsletter

    Start learning free →

    Free forever tier. No card required.

    © 2026 Kumiai Inc. All rights reserved.

    AboutFAQContactStatusPrivacyTermsAttributions
    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 〜たる

    〜たる

    〜たる

    This shows someone or something has a certain job or role. It means 'as a...' or 'being...'. This is a very old and formal way to speak.

    N1KMT8FormalStandardCopulaMixedOlder SpeakersClassicalPossession And AttributionGrammar

    Noun + たる + NounPrimary

    This shows someone or something has a certain job or role. It means 'as a...' or 'being...'. This is a very old and formal way to speak.

    教きょう師したる者もの、学がく生せいに対たいして常つねに公こう平へいであるべきだ。

    A person who is a teacher should always be fair towards students.

    FormalNon PastAffirmativeClause InitialObligationEducationWork & Career
    指し導どう者しゃたる彼かれの決けつ断だんが、過か去こに多おおくの命いのちを救すくった。

    His decision as a leader saved many lives in the past.

    FormalPastAffirmativeClause InitialDeclarativePolitics & LawHistory
    王おうたる者もの、私し情じょうに流ながされてはならない。

    One who is a king must not be swayed by personal feelings.

    FormalNon PastNegativeClause InitialProhibitionPolitics & LawHistory
    我われ々われは、リーダーたる彼かれに最さい後ごまで従したがった。

    We followed him, as our leader, until the very end.

    FormalPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeWork & CareerBusiness & Finance
    学がく問もんの府ふたる大だい学がくの使し命めいとは、真しん理りの探たん究きゅうにある。

    The mission of a university, as a seat of learning, is the pursuit of truth.

    FormalNon PastAffirmativePrenominalDeclarativeEducationScience & Math

    This grammar shows that someone has a special role. It means they should act in a way that fits that role. It is like saying, 'A king should act like a king.'

    This is different from '〜の' (no). '〜の' just shows a simple connection. '〜たる' shows a role or status. It is also different from 'である' (de aru). 'である' describes someone. '〜たる' defines their role. It is not like '我が〜' (waga). '我が〜' shows who owns something. '〜たる' shows what someone is.

    Don't use this when you are talking to friends. For example, you cannot say "机たる" (tsukue taru) for a desk. This grammar is only for very formal writing. It is also for very formal speeches. You use it for important roles. You use it for important qualities. For example, "teacher" or "leader".

    More formal alternatives(2)

    〜の

    This word shows that something belongs to someone. It also links two nouns. The first noun tells you more about the second noun.

    我が〜

    This word means 'my' or 'our'. It shows a strong feeling of connection or pride.

    〜として

    This grammar shows what job or role someone has. It means 'as' or 'in the role of'.

    ある

    To exist or be present (for inanimate things, ideas, or events).

    Kumi logo

    Track your mastery

    Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.

    Related concepts for this entry

    more_formal_than

    • 〜の
    • 我が〜

    prerequisite

    • 〜として
    • ある

    Explore more

    Grammar dictionary›Browse all entries›