Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
Based on, in accordance with, on the grounds of
🎯 Primary Function
To indicate the foundation, principle, or source of information for an action, decision, or statement. It signifies that something is done or decided by using something else as its basis.
📋 Grammar Structure
名詞 (Noun) + に基づいて (ni motozuite)
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Very common in formal settings, business, academic papers, official documents, and news reports.
Informal Situations
Less common, but can be used in more serious, planned informal discussions. Often sounds a bit stiff if used casually.
Written Language
Extremely prevalent in written Japanese, especially in formal texts, contracts, reports, and academic writing.
Spoken Language
Used in formal speeches, presentations, and serious discussions, but generally replaced by simpler expressions in casual conversation.
💡 Common Applications
Decision Making
Decisions made based on data, rules, or facts.
Example: このデータに基づいて、新しい計画を立てる。(Kono deeta ni motozuite, atarashii keikaku o tateru.) – We will create a new plan based on this data.
Rule Adherence
Actions performed in accordance with regulations or guidelines.
Example: 法律に基づいて、公正な判決が下された。(Hōritsu ni motozuite, kōseina hanketsu ga kudasa reta.) – A fair judgment was rendered based on the law.
Information Source
Statements or claims supported by specific information or research.
Example: 調査結果に基づいて、記事を書いた。(Chōsa kekka ni motozuite, kiji o kaita.) – I wrote the article based on the survey results.
Frequency
High in formal written and spoken contexts; moderate in general advanced usage.
Difficulty
Moderate for N2 learners. The concept is straightforward, but its formal nuance and differentiation from similar expressions require practice.
Example Sentences
この計画は最新の研究データに基づいて作成されました。
This plan was created based on the latest research data.
その決定は、複数の専門家の意見に基づいて行われました。
That decision was made based on the opinions of multiple experts.
彼は自分の経験に基づいて、的確なアドバイスをしてくれた。
He gave me precise advice based on his own experience.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Particle “に”
The particle “に” is crucial here, indicating the foundation or basis. It literally means “on” or “to.”
Example: 事実に基づいて話す。(Jijitsu ni motozuite hanasu.) – To speak based on facts.
Formal Connotation
に基づいて carries a strong formal and objective nuance. It’s often used when talking about official procedures, scientific findings, or well-established principles.
Example: 規定に基づいて処理する。(Kitei ni motozuite shori suru.) – To process in accordance with regulations.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using をもとに for formal contexts when に基づいて is more appropriate.
✅ Use に基づいて when the basis is a rule, law, data, or official agreement, implying strict adherence or objective foundation.
をもとに implies using something as a *source* or *material* to create something new, often with a degree of originality or adaptation. に基づいて implies a stricter adherence to the basis.
❌ Using に基づいて in very casual conversations.
✅ In casual settings, simpler phrases like 「〜から」「〜で」 or even をもとに might be more natural, depending on the nuance.
に基づいて can sound overly stiff or academic in informal speech.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: High politeness, due to its formal and objective nature.
Social Situations: Often used in business meetings, academic presentations, legal discussions, news reports, and official announcements. It conveys a sense of credibility and professionalism.
Regional Variations: No significant regional variations in its usage or meaning.
🔍 Subtle Differences
に基づいて vs. をもとに (o moto ni)
に基づいて emphasizes strict adherence to a foundation (rules, data, facts). をもとに means “using something as a basis/material” and often implies creation or development from that source, allowing for more interpretation or originality.
When to use: Use に基づいて when stating that something strictly follows or is derived from a clear, objective basis. Use をもとに when something is *created* or *developed* *from* a source, often implying a less rigid adherence.
Example (に基づいて): 法律に基づいて判断する。(Hōritsu ni motozuite handan suru.) – Judge based on the law (strict adherence).
Example (をもとに): この小説は実話をもとに書かれた。(Kono shōsetsu wa jitsuwa o moto ni kakareta.) – This novel was written based on a true story (using it as material, but with creative interpretation).
に基づく (ni motozuku) vs. に基づいて (ni motozuite) vs. に基づき (ni motozuki)
に基づく is the plain form verb, often used attributively (modifying a noun). に基づいて is the te-form, often used to connect clauses or modify verbs as an adverbial phrase. に基づき is the continuative form (masu-stem), often used in formal writing, particularly preceding another verb or for listing reasons/basis.
When to use: **に基づく:** When describing a noun that “is based on” something (e.g., 事実に基づく報告 – a report based on facts).
**に基づいて:** When explaining *how* an action is performed (e.g., データに基づいて分析する – analyze based on data). This is the most common and versatile form for connecting actions to their basis.
**に基づき:** More formal and often used in written reports or legal documents as a conjunctive adverbial phrase to smoothly link a basis to a subsequent action, similar to the function of te-form but with a more formal tone. (e.g., 規則に基づき、参加資格を定める。- Based on the rules, qualifications for participation are determined.)
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When to use: undefined
📝 Conjugation Notes
に基づいて is a fixed phrase derived from the verb 基づく (motozuku). It directly follows a noun.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
「にもとづいて」 (ni-mo-to-zu-i-te). The “づ” (zu) sound is often confused with “ず” (zu). Practice the clear distinction.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of “基” (moto) as “foundation” or “basis.” The “づいて” part implies “following” or “adhering to” that foundation. Visualize building something *upon* a strong foundation.
Vocabulary List
計画
keikaku
plan
最新
saishin
latest, newest
研究
kenkyū
research
データ
deeta
data
作成する
sakusei suru
to create, to produce
決定
kettei
decision
複数
plural, multiple
Kanji List
基
もと, き
base, foundation
付
つ
attach, adhere
計
けい
plan, measure
画
かく, が
plan, draw
最
さい
most
新
しん, あたら
new
研
けん
polish, study
究
きゅう
research
作
さく
make
成
せい
form, become
決
けつ
decide
Practice Exercises
この映画は、有名な漫画(まんが)＿＿＿＿作られました。
a) をもとに
b) に基づいて
c) について
d) によって
会議での決定は、全員の意見＿＿＿＿下されました。
a) をもとに
b) に基づいて
c) に関して
d) とともに
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