たる
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
to be (in a position of)
as a
for (in the sense of in the capacity of)
Usage
Noun + たる
XたるY (X is Y in the capacity of)
Explanation
たる is a classical, literary copula attached to a noun to express that the noun is in a certain role, status, or capacity. It gives a formal, slightly elevated or archaic flavor and is mostly found in written Japanese, historical texts, or stylistic narration. It is not used in everyday conversation. When you see たる after a noun, think of it as “in the role of …” or “as …” rather than the modern copula だ/です. It can occur after titles or professions (王たる者, 教師たる者) to describe someone who holds that position, or after a noun + の phrase to describe someone as that kind of person in that role. Be aware that the construction can sound formal or old-fashioned in modern contexts.
王たる者は民を守るべきだ。
おうたるものはたみをまもるべきだ。
Those who are kings should protect their people.
教師たる者は模範を示すべきだ。
きょうしたるものはもはんをしめすべきだ。
A teacher should set an example.
彼はリーダーたる資質を持っている。
かれはリーダーたるししつをもっている。
He possesses the qualities of a leader.