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N1
〜にして
Meaning
Indicates that even at such a high stage or special position something unexpected occurs, or that something is achieved only upon reaching that stage. It also has a usage expressing a very short span of time, as in 「一瞬にして」 (in an instant).
Examples
- 優秀な彼にして失敗するのだから、この問題は相当難しいのだろう。 If even someone as talented as him fails, this problem must be quite difficult.
- 40歳にしてようやく自分の本当にやりたいことを見つけた。 At the age of 40, he finally found what he truly wanted to do.
- 大地震で、街は一瞬にして瓦礫の山と化した。 The earthquake reduced the town to a pile of rubble in an instant.