Kotomora
JLPT N3Construction
Furigana

てんAspect or criterion

This pattern singles out one specific feature or criterion for discussion, comparison, or evaluation. It often corresponds to “in terms of,” “in the respect that,” or “the point that.”

Selecting one relevant feature

てん narrows attention to a particular feature of something. The feature should be specific enough to explain why the following judgment or comparison is being made.

Three common ways to state the aspect

The aspect may be expressed by a clause, a noun, or a full idea packaged with という.

このアプリはそうかんたんてんしょしんしゃいている。

This app is suitable for beginners because it is easy to use.

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The adjective clause identifies ease of operation as the relevant criterion.

このあんあんぜんせいてんではすぐれているが、ようたかい。

This proposal is strong in terms of safety, but it is expensive.

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The noun names the criterion directly, and では limits the positive judgment to that respect.

ふたつのせいひんでんこうかんできるというてんきょうつうしている。

The two products have in common that their batteries can be replaced.

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というてん packages a complete fact and uses it as the basis for comparison.

Choosing the particle after the selected aspect

Swipe sideways to compare every column.

FormTypical jobPractical sense
てんSets the criterion for a comparison or judgmentin that respect; because of that feature
てんではLimits the statement to one respect, often leaving room for a different judgment elsewhereas far as that aspect is concerned
てんMarks the point being checked, recognized, or consideredthe fact or aspect that...
てんIntroduces an aspect that exists or has a stated qualitythere is an aspect where...

Points to recognize and points that exist

けいやくまえに、ちゅうかいやくできないというてんかくにんしてください。

Before signing the contract, please confirm that it cannot be canceled partway through.

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marks the specific point that must be confirmed.

このけいかくには、ようもりがじゅうぶんてんある。

This plan has a weakness: its cost estimate is inadequate.

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introduces the aspect that exists within the plan.

A feature versus a person's viewpoint

Use てん to identify which feature makes a judgment valid. Use にとって to identify the person or group for whom the judgment is valid.

このホテルはえきちかいというてん便べんだ。

This hotel is convenient in that it is close to the station.

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このホテルはしゅっちょうしゃにとって便べんだ。

This hotel is convenient for business travelers.

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More examples

このカメラはかるてんりょこういている。

This camera is well suited to travel because it is lightweight.

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このいきこうつう便べんてんではらしやすい。

This area is easy to live in as far as transportation access is concerned.

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オンラインじゅぎょうは、しょえらばずにさんできるというてんりょくだ。

An attractive feature of online classes is that you can attend from anywhere.

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さいようめるまえに、じつけいけんそくしているてんこうりょした。

Before making the hiring decision, we considered the applicant's lack of practical experience.

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りょうしゃぜんやくひつようだというてんおなじだ。

The two are alike in that both require advance reservations.

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このほうほうには、けったんとうしゃけいけんゆうされやすいてんある。

One aspect of this method is that the results can easily depend on the staff member's experience.

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