に基づいて / に応じて — Basis and Correspondence
This lesson focuses on two formal grammar patterns: に基づいて (ni motozuite) indicates that an action or decision is grounded on a rule, fact, or precedent, while に応じて (ni ōjite) expresses variation or response according to a condition, situation, or individual needs. Both are common in business documents, academic writing, and official announcements. The lesson covers conjugation, appropriate noun attachments, and distinctions between similar expressions like によって or を踏まえて. Practice exercises emphasize constructing formal sentences with nouns and verbs in written contexts.
🎯 Goal: Use に基づいて (based on) and に応じて (according to/depending on) in formal contexts.
Lesson Content
Learning Goal
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use に基づいて (ni motozuite) to say "based on" and に応じて (ni ōjite) to say "according to" or "depending on" in formal Japanese. These are essential for professional, academic, and formal writing or speech at the N3 level.
Concept
Both に基づいて and に応じて connect a noun (the basis or condition) to an action or decision. They show that something is done because of or in response to that noun.
- に基づいて = "based on" (a rule, fact, law, data, or principle)
- に応じて = "according to" / "depending on" (a situation, need, size, or change)
Think of に基づいて as looking backward to a fixed standard, and に応じて as looking forward to a variable condition.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. に基づいて (ni motozuite) — Based on
Pattern:
Noun + に基づいて + Verb/Action
Meaning:
You do something using a rule, law, data, or principle as the foundation.
Key point: The noun is a fixed, authoritative source (e.g., law, survey, contract, tradition).
Examples:
-
法律に基づいて判断します。
Hōritsu ni motozuite handan shimasu.
"I will judge based on the law." -
データに基づいて計画を立てました。
Dēta ni motozuite keikaku o tatemashita.
"We made a plan based on the data." -
このルールは過去の経験に基づいています。
Kono rūru wa kako no keiken ni motozuite imasu.
"This rule is based on past experience."
2. に応じて (ni ōjite) — According to / Depending on
Pattern:
Noun + に応じて + Verb/Action
Meaning:
You do something in a way that changes depending on the situation, need, size, or condition.
Key point: The noun is a variable factor (e.g., budget, level, weather, demand).
Examples:
-
予算に応じて計画を変更します。
Yosan ni ōjite keikaku o henkō shimasu.
"We will change the plan according to the budget." -
能力に応じて仕事を任せます。
Nōryoku ni ōjite shigoto o makasemasu.
"I will assign work depending on ability." -
天気に応じてイベントを中止する場合があります。
Tenki ni ōjite ibento o chūshi suru baai ga arimasu.
"We may cancel the event depending on the weather."
Mini Examples (Comparison)
| Phrase | Meaning | Noun type |
|---|---|---|
| 規則に基づいて | based on the rules | fixed rule |
| 規則に応じて | according to the rules (if rules change) | variable rule |
| 結果に基づいて | based on the result | fixed result |
| 結果に応じて | depending on the result | variable outcome |
Common Mistake
❌ Using に基づいて for personal feelings or temporary conditions.
- 気分に基づいて決めました。
Kibun ni motozuite kimemashita.
(Sounds unnatural — "based on my mood" is too subjective for this formal pattern.)
✅ Use に応じて for variable personal factors:
- 気分に応じて予定を変えます。
Kibun ni ōjite yotei o kaemasu.
"I change my plans depending on my mood."
Quick Practice
Fill in the blanks with に基づいて or に応じて.
-
アンケートの結果＿＿＿＿、新しい商品を開発しました。
Ankēto no kekka ______, atarashii shōhin o kaihatsu shimashita.
(Based on the survey results, we developed a new product.) -
参加者のレベル＿＿＿＿、コースを選んでください。
Sankasha no reberu ______, kōsu o erande kudasai.
(Please choose a course according to the participants' level.) -
法律＿＿＿＿、この書類が必要です。
Hōritsu ______, kono shorui ga hitsuyō desu.
(Based on the law, this document is necessary.) -
売り上げ＿＿＿＿、ボーナスが決まります。
Uriage ______, bōnasu ga kimarimasu.
(The bonus is decided depending on sales.)
(Answers: 1. に基づいて, 2. に応じて, 3. に基づいて, 4. に応じて)
Summary and Next Step
Summary:
- に基づいて = based on (fixed standard: law, data, rule)
- に応じて = according to / depending on (variable condition: budget, level, weather)
Both are formal and used in writing, business, and academic contexts. Remember the noun type to choose correctly.
Next Step:
Practice using both patterns in short sentences about your own work or study. For example:
-
スケジュールに応じて休憩を取ります。
Sukejūru ni ōjite kyūkei o torimasu.
"I take breaks depending on my schedule." -
教科書に基づいて勉強しています。
Kyōkasho ni motozuite benkyō shite imasu.
"I am studying based on the textbook."
Try writing 2–3 sentences of your own using each pattern!
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