からしてJudging from; going by
からして presents a feature or piece of evidence as the basis for a broader judgment. It often corresponds to “judging from” or “going by.”
Evidence first, judgment second
The noun before からして is something the speaker can observe or identify. The rest of the sentence gives a conclusion drawn from that clue. The conclusion may be positive or negative, but the connection between the evidence and the judgment should be easy to understand.
Drawing a conclusion from appearance
彼の表情からして、結果に満足していないようだ。
Judging from his expression, he does not seem satisfied with the result.
Analyze表情 is the visible clue supporting the conclusion about his reaction.
Different kinds of evidence
The evidence can be language, behavior, price, or numerical information—not only physical appearance.
メールの文面からして、相当焦っていると判断できる。
Judging from the wording of the email, we can conclude that the writer is quite flustered.
Analyzeこの価格からして、初心者向けの商品ではなさそうだ。
Going by the price, this does not appear to be a product aimed at beginners.
Analyze直近のデータからして、需要は今後も伸びるだろう。
Judging from the latest data, demand will probably continue to grow.
Analyze担当者の態度からして、条件を変える気はなさそうだ。
Judging from the representative's attitude, they do not seem willing to change the terms.
AnalyzeOverlap with the representative-example use
The two uses of からして overlap. In the present use, the speaker foregrounds a clue and the conclusion drawn from it. In the neighboring use, the speaker foregrounds one striking member of a set and implies that the rest is similar. Some sentences naturally allow both readings, so context and emphasis matter more than a rigid test.
この報告書は、表紙の誤字からして信用できない。
This report cannot be trusted, judging from the typo on its cover alone.
AnalyzeThe typo can be treated as evidence for distrusting the report. It can also be presented as the first conspicuous example of the report’s problems.
More examples
声の調子からして、冗談ではなさそうだ。
Judging from the tone of voice, it does not seem to be a joke.
Analyze題名からして、専門家向けの本だと分かる。
You can tell from the title that the book is intended for specialists.
Analyze客の服装からして、かなり格式の高い式らしい。
Judging from the guests' clothing, it appears to be a rather formal ceremony.
Analyzeこの数値からして、計算のどこかに誤りがある。
Going by this figure, there must be an error somewhere in the calculation.
Analyze話し方からして、彼はこの地域の出身ではないだろう。
Judging from the way he speaks, he is probably not from this area.
Analyze会場の雰囲気からして、交渉はうまく進んでいるようだ。
Judging from the atmosphere at the venue, the negotiations seem to be going well.
Analyze