What it means
として follows a noun to show the capacity, position, status, or perspective in which someone or something acts or is treated. It commonly means “as” or “in the role of.” It can describe an official position, a function, an identity, or a way of viewing something. The form itself does not change for familiar or polite speech; politeness comes from the surrounding predicate.
Usage note
として is normally attached to a noun. Do not confuse it with について, which means “about,” or としての, which places the role or status before another noun.
How to use it
彼は通訳として働きました。
He worked as an interpreter.
彼女は研究者としての経験を生かしました。
She made use of her experience as a researcher.
彼は通訳として働いた。
He worked as an interpreter.
彼女は研究者としての経験を生かした。
She made use of her experience as a researcher.
Example sentences
彼は地域の防災担当者として、毎月避難訓練を計画しています。
As the community disaster-prevention coordinator, he plans evacuation drills every month.
姉は通訳として国際会議に参加しました。
My older sister participated in the international conference as an interpreter.
この古い建物は、町の歴史を伝える資料館