N3 Grammar: に基づいて (ni motozuite) — Based On

Meaning & Usage

The grammar pattern 「に基づいて」(ni motozuite) means "based on," "in accordance with," or "derived from." It's used when an action, decision, statement, or creation rests upon a specific principle, fact, standard, or piece of information. Using 「に基づいて」 emphasizes that what is being said or done has a solid, often objective, foundation. This conveys a sense of logical reasoning, adherence to rules, or reliance on established data.

While it translates simply to "based on" in English, 「に基づいて」 often carries a more formal or official nuance than its English counterpart. You'll frequently encounter it in written reports, academic papers, news articles, business presentations, legal documents, and official announcements. Though it can appear in spoken language, its use typically signals a formal discussion or explanation, rather than casual conversation. Imagine laying a foundational stone for an argument or action – the statement or action is built directly upon that specific base.

To understand 「に基づいて」, picture a construction project: a building is erected strictly according to a blueprint. Here, the blueprint serves as the "basis" (基) for the entire construction process. Similarly, when you say 「事実に基づいて」(jijitsu ni motozuite – based on facts), you are stating that your conclusion or action is directly shaped and supported by those facts, much like a building is shaped by its blueprint. This phrase establishes credibility and justifies what follows.

This pattern is especially valuable when clarifying the source of your information or the principle guiding your actions, lending weight and authority to your words. It differs from simply stating a source with 「～によると」 (ni yoru to – according to), which just reports information. 「に基づいて」 implies that the information or principle is actively serving as the foundation for something new or a specific action.

Structure & Formation

The basic structure for 「に基づいて」 is quite straightforward, primarily attaching to nouns. However, it does have a few variations depending on whether it modifies a verb or a noun.

• Noun + に基づいて (ni motozuite): This is the adverbial form. It modifies a subsequent verb or adjective, indicating the basis for the action or state. This is the most common form.
• Noun + に基づき (ni motozuki): This is a more formal and literary variant, also adverbial, typically used in written contexts and often preceding a verb. It has a slightly more abrupt feel than 「に基づいて」.
• Noun + に基づいた + Noun (ni motozuita): This is the attributive form. It modifies a following noun, describing that noun as being "based on" the preceding noun.

Examples of Structure:

Example Sentences

Policies and Decisions

Information and Research

Creations and Designs

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using for casual, non-substantiated "based on"

「に基づいて」 implies a strong, often objective, foundation. It's not typically used for casual guesses or subjective feelings. For such cases, simpler phrases are more natural.

❌ 私わたしの気分きぶんに基づいて、今日きょうは公園こうえんへ行いく。

✅ 私わたしの気分きぶんで、今日きょうは公園こうえんへ行いく。

Explanation: You wouldn't say you go to the park "based on your feeling" in such a formal way. 「～で」 or similar less formal expressions are more appropriate for subjective reasons or impulses.

Mistake 2: Incorrect particle usage (e.g., を or から)

The fixed particle for 「に基づいて」 is 「に」. Using other particles will sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect.

❌ データデータを基もとづいて分析ぶんせきした。

✅ データデータに基づいて分析ぶんせきした。

Explanation: The verb 「基づく」 (motozuku – to be based on) naturally uses 「に」 to mark its basis. Therefore, 「に」 is essential for the entire pattern.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 「～によって」 (ni yotte)

While both can indicate a basis, 「によって」 often implies a means, method, cause, or an agent. 「に基づいて」 specifically highlights the foundation or standard being adhered to.

❌ 彼かれの発言はつげんは噂うわさによって作つくられたものだ。

✅ 彼かれの発言はつげんは噂うわさに基づいて作つくられたものだ。

Explanation: If his statement was based on rumors, then 「に基づいて」 is more precise. 「によって」 might imply the rumors somehow created the statement themselves, or that it was made by means of rumors, which is less direct for the meaning of "based on."

Mistake 4: Overuse in informal settings

As noted earlier, 「に基づいて」 has a formal tone. Using it in everyday casual conversations can sound stiff or overly formal.

❌ 友達ともだちの話はなしに基づいて、今日きょうの宿題しゅくだいはこれだよ。

✅ 友達ともだちの話はなしによると、今日きょうの宿題しゅくだいはこれだよ。

Explanation: When simply relaying information you heard from someone, 「～によると」 (according to) is the natural and common expression, maintaining a casual tone.

Cultural Notes

The frequent use of 「に基づいて」 in official Japanese discourse highlights a cultural value. Especially in government, corporate, and academic settings, it reflects a strong emphasis on clarity, accountability, and establishing a credible foundation for statements and actions. Japanese society often prioritizes consensus and adherence to established rules or precedents.

When presenting information or making a decision, explicitly stating what it's "based on" serves to legitimize it and provide transparency, thereby fostering trust. You will often see this phrase in news reports when detailing government decisions, company policies, or scientific findings. It assures the audience that the information isn't arbitrary but stems from a verifiable source or logical process. For learners, understanding this nuance helps not just with grammar, but also in appreciating how communication functions in formal Japanese contexts.

JLPT Tips

For the JLPT N3 exam, it's essential to recognize 「に基づいて」 in context and differentiate it from similar grammar points. Always pay close attention to the noun preceding 「に」 – this noun will invariably represent the foundation, principle, or information upon which something else is built.

When tackling sentence completion questions or reading passages, ask yourself: Is the action or statement simply reporting a source, or is it actively being shaped and justified by that source? If it's the latter, 「に基づいて」 is likely the correct choice. Remember its formal tone; if the sentence describes an official report, a policy, research findings, or a reasoned decision, 「に基づいて」 fits perfectly.

Practice identifying the subtle differences with 「～によって」 and 「～を元に」。 While some overlap exists, 「に基づいて」 strongly emphasizes adherence to an established basis or standard. Furthermore, ensure you can correctly identify its three forms: 「に基づいて」 (adverbial, general use), 「に基づき」 (adverbial, more formal/written), and 「に基づいた」 (attributive, modifies a noun). Mastering these distinctions will greatly enhance your performance in the N3 grammar section.