とされる
Is considered / is regarded as / is said to be → expresses a generally accepted view, rule, or evaluation, without specifying who holds it
N1
Meaning
Is considered / is regarded as / is said to be → expresses a generally accepted view, rule, or evaluation, without specifying who holds it
Formation
Clause (plain form) + とされる
Noun + とされる
Explanation
とされる is used to state that something is widely believed, officially regarded, or socially accepted as true.
🔸 とされる = impersonal judgment
Key idea:
👉 “It is generally considered that …”
Important nuances:
The subject is vague or unspecified
The judgment is:
common knowledge
institutional
academic
historical
The speaker does not take personal responsibility for the claim
Tone is objective, neutral, and formal
This grammar is frequently used in:
academic writing
news reports
encyclopedic explanations
regulations and policies
JLPT N1 reading passages