Meaning & Usage
The N3 grammar point によって (ni yotte) is incredibly versatile and frequently appears in Japanese. It conveys several distinct, yet related, meanings, all centered on indicating a relationship of causality, method, or variability. To truly master によって, you'll need a clear grasp of these different nuances, as its interpretation largely hinges on the surrounding context.
1. "By means of; through; by way of" (手段・方法 - Shudan/Hōhō)
When used this way, によって specifies the method, instrument, or agency by which an action is performed or a state is achieved. It effectively answers the questions "how?" or "by what?". While similar to the particle ～で (de) for indicating a tool or method, によって often carries a more formal, objective, or official tone. It suggests a more significant or systemic means rather than a simple, everyday tool. Consider it as conveying "through the agency of" or "using the method of." For example, rather than using a simple tool like a pen (ペンで書く), you might use によって to describe methods like 「インターネットによって情報を得る」 (to obtain information via the internet) or 「法律によって定められる」 (to be stipulated by law).
Mental Model: Envision a specific pathway, process, or instrument that directly leads to a particular outcome. によって describes this precise means or route.
2. "Due to; because of; on account of" (原因・理由 - Gen'in/Riyū)
When によって expresses cause or reason, it indicates that the preceding noun is the direct cause or origin of a situation or event. Similar to its "means" counterpart, this usage is typically more formal than ～で (de) or ～から (kara). You'll commonly find it in written documents, news reports, or objective explanations. It implies a clear, often objective, causal link, such as 「事故によって交通が麻痺した」 (traffic was paralyzed due to the accident) or 「研究によって新事実が判明した」 (new facts came to light through research).
Mental Model: Visualize a chain reaction where the noun preceding によって is the primary cause, directly leading to the subsequent effect.
3. "Depending on; according to; in accordance with" (場合・条件 - Ba'ai/Jōken)
This meaning highlights variability or conditionality. によって here signifies that something changes, differs, or is determined based on a specific condition, factor, or entity. It emphasizes that outcomes aren't uniform but rather contingent upon certain circumstances. This is a very common and practical usage, often translated as "depending on" or "according to." For instance, 「人によって意見が違う」 (opinions differ depending on the person) or 「季節によって食べたいものが変わる」 (what I want to eat changes depending on the season).
Mental Model: Imagine a set of rules or conditions where the outcome shifts as the input changes. The noun before によって represents these changing inputs or conditions.
4. "Each; every; for each" (個々・それぞれ - Koko/Sorezore)
Though less frequent than the other meanings, によって can also emphasize the individual nature or variation among multiple items or groups. It often appears in a repeated form (e.g., Noun によって Noun によって) or implies that something applies distinctly to every single instance. This usage draws attention to specific differences across individuals or categories, as in 「国によって、法律が異なります」 (laws differ from country to country).
Mental Model: Picture a distinct and unique path or characteristic assigned to every single item or person in a collection.
Nuance and Context:
A crucial aspect of によって is its formality. It generally lends an objective, analytical, or explanatory tone, making it prevalent in formal written Japanese, official announcements, academic texts, and news reporting. In spoken Japanese, it tends to appear in more structured or public settings, such as presentations or lectures, rather than in casual, everyday conversation where simpler alternatives are preferred. This formality means it's typically not used to express personal, subjective feelings or opinions as a cause. Understanding this distinction is key to using によって appropriately and for comprehending formal Japanese effectively.
Structure & Formation
The grammatical structure for によって is generally straightforward, but its precise meaning comes from the context where it's used. It always follows a noun.
Basic Structure:
Noun + によって
Variations and Common Patterns:
- Noun + によって (Method/Means)
Used to describe the means, method, or agent through which an action is carried out.
Example: 交通手段 (kōtsū shudan - means of transportation) + によって, 飛行機 (hikōki - airplane) + によって.
- Noun + によって (Cause/Reason)
Indicates the cause or reason for a particular situation or event.
Example: 地震 (jishin - earthquake) + によって, 事故 (jiko - accident) + によって.
- Noun + によって (Depending on/According to)
Expresses that something varies or is determined by a preceding condition or factor.
Example: 人 (hito - person) + によって, 場合 (ba'ai - case/situation) + によって.
Often seen with verbs like 異なる (kotonaru - to differ) or 変わる (kawaru - to change).
- Noun (Agent) + によって + Verb (Passive Form)
This is a particularly important and common usage. In passive sentences, によって explicitly marks the agent (the one performing the action). It is the equivalent of "by" in English passive constructions. This usage is generally more formal than simply using ～に (ni) to mark the agent and often emphasizes the agent's role as the source of creation, discovery, or action.
Structure: Noun (Agent) + によって + Passive Verb
Example: 作家 (sakka - writer) + によって 書かれる (kakareru - to be written).
Formation Table:
| Grammar Point | Preceding Word Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| によって | Noun | 私達によって (watashitachi ni yotte - by us) |
| 規則によって (kisoku ni yotte - by the rule) | ||
| 場所によって (basho ni yotte - depending on the place) |
Example Sentences
Means or Method (手段・方法)
科学の発展によって、私たちの生活はより豊かになった。
Kagaku no hatten ni yotte, watashitachi no seikatsu wa yori yutaka ni natta.
Through the development of science, our lives have become richer.
インターネットによって、世界中の情報が簡単に手に入る。
Intānetto ni yotte, sekaijū no jōhō ga kantan ni te ni hairu.
Information from all over the world can be easily obtained via the internet.
この問題は、新しい技術によって解決されるだろう。
Kono mondai wa, atarashii gijutsu ni yotte kaiketsu sareru darō.
This problem will probably be solved by new technology.
アンケート調査によって、顧客のニーズが明らかになった。
Ankēto chōsa ni yotte, kokyaku no nīzu ga akiraka ni natta.
Through a survey, customer needs became clear.
Cause or Reason (原因・理由)
台風によって、電車が遅れた。
Taifū ni yotte, densha ga okureta.
Due to the typhoon, the train was delayed.
不注意によって、大きなミスをしてしまった。
Fuchūi ni yotte, ōkina misu wo shite shimatta.
Because of carelessness, I made a big mistake.
この事故によって、道路が閉鎖された。
Kono jiko ni yotte, dōro ga heisa sareta.
Due to this accident, the road was closed.
過労によって、体調を崩してしまった。
Karō ni yotte, taichō wo kuzushite shimatta.
Due to overwork, I became ill.
Depending on / According to (場合・条件)
人によって、考え方は様々だ。
Hito ni yotte, kangaekata wa samazama da.
Ways of thinking vary depending on the person.
季節によって、食べたいものが変わる。
Kisetsu ni yotte, tabetai mono ga kawaru.
What I want to eat changes depending on the season.
国によって、文化や習慣が大きく異なる。
Kuni ni yotte, bunka ya shūkan ga ōkiku kotonaru.
Culture and customs differ greatly depending on the country.
この薬は、病気の種類によって服用量が異なります。
Kono kusuri wa, byōki no shurui ni yotte fukuyōryō ga kotonarimasu.
The dosage of this medicine varies depending on the type of illness.
Agent of Passive Verb (～によって～される)
この本は、有名な作家によって書かれた。
Kono hon wa, yūmei na sakka ni yotte kakareta.
This book was written by a famous author.
新しい法律は、国会によって可決された。
Atarashii hōritsu wa, kokkai ni yotte kaketsu sareta.
The new law was passed by the Diet.
彼の研究は、多くの学者によって評価されている。
Kare no kenkyū wa, ōku no gakusha ni yotte hyōka sarete iru.
His research is being evaluated by many scholars.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing によって with で for simple means/tools
While によって can mean "by means of," it's often too formal for simple, everyday tools or methods. Learners sometimes overuse によって when the simpler particle で would be more natural and appropriate for common implements.
❌ 箸によってごはんを食べる。
✅ 箸でごはんを食べる。
Explanation: For basic tools like "chopsticks" (箸), で is the natural and common choice. によって implies a more significant, abstract, or formal means, often a broader system, process, or a more impactful tool.
Mistake 2: Using によって for personal, subjective reasons
When によって expresses "due to" or "because of," it typically refers to objective, external causes or situations. It is generally not suitable for expressing personal, subjective reasons or internal feelings. For such cases, particles like から (kara) or ので (node) are much more appropriate and natural.
❌ 悲しい気持ちによって、涙が出た。
✅ 悲しい気持ちで涙が出た。 (or 悲しいから、涙が出た。)
Explanation: A "sad feeling" (悲しい気持ち) is a personal, internal reason. Therefore, more subjective particles like から or で are suitable. によって is reserved for more objective and impactful causes, often external to one's personal feelings.
Mistake 3: Incorrectly applying furigana to によって
This is a common formatting error in learning materials. Furigana should only be applied to kanji characters, providing their reading. The grammar particle によって, being written in hiragana, does not typically require furigana, unless it is part of a larger word that itself is a kanji compound being read.
❌ 私達によっ、計画が変更された。
✅ 私達によって、計画が変更された。
Explanation: The furigana should accurately correspond to the kanji it describes. The grammar particle によって is generally not part of the furigana. Ensuring all kanji have their furigana, but no extra hiragana does, is critical for correct presentation.
Mistake 4: Overlooking the agent function in passive voice
Many learners initially focus on によって's meanings of "by means of" or "depending on" and forget its crucial role in specifying the agent in passive sentences. This oversight can lead to awkward or grammatically incorrect passive constructions where ～に might be mistakenly used in overly formal contexts.
❌ この絵は、ピカソに描かれた。
✅ この絵は、ピカソによって描かれた。
Explanation: While に can indicate the agent in some passive constructions (especially with verbs of emotion or receiving an action), によって is more commonly and naturally used when the agent is a person or organization, particularly with verbs of creation, discovery, or invention. It lends a more formal tone, which is often suitable for describing works of art, historical events, or major achievements. Using によって clearly identifies "Picasso" as the one who performed the painting action.
Mistake 5: Misinterpreting the "each/every" usage
The "each/every" meaning of によって, especially when repeated (～によって～によって), can sometimes be subtle. Learners might struggle to identify this nuance, leading to misinterpretations of sentences that emphasize distinct variability among individual items or instances.
❌ 人によって、趣味が違うと思う。
✅ 人によって人によって、趣味が違うと思う。
Explanation: While the incorrect example isn't strictly grammatically wrong for "depending on the person, hobbies differ," the nuance of emphasizing "each and every person" or individual variation is more strongly conveyed by repeating によって. When the intent is to highlight distinct differences across every single entity, repeating the phrase with によって reinforces this meaning more effectively. For a simpler "depending on," a single によって is sufficient.
Cultural Notes
によって, particularly in its more formal applications—indicating means, cause, or the agent in passive constructions—is a staple of written Japanese, news media, academic articles, and official communications. In these domains, it establishes an objective, somewhat detached tone, focusing on factual processes, established methods, and impersonal causes rather than individual sentiments. For instance, when reporting on the cause of a large-scale event like a natural disaster or the methodology behind a scientific discovery, によって is the preferred choice to maintain impartiality and authority.
In spoken Japanese, によって is certainly present, but its usage tends to be confined to more structured or formal environments. You'll encounter it in business presentations, public speeches, academic lectures, or during news broadcasts. For casual, daily conversations, Japanese speakers typically gravitate towards less formal alternatives. Particles such as ～で (de) or ～から (kara) are commonly used for expressing simple means or reasons in informal settings, or sentences might be rephrased entirely to avoid an overly formal construction. For example, instead of using 「事故によって電車が遅れた」(Jiko ni yotte densha ga okureta - The train was delayed due to an accident) in a relaxed chat, one would more naturally say 「事故で電車が遅れた」 (Jiko de densha ga okureta).
The "depending on" usage (e.g., ～によって異なる / ～によって変わる) is a notable exception. This particular meaning of によって is quite common in both formal and semi-formal spoken contexts, as it's a highly practical way to express variability and contingencies. Phrases like 「人によって違いますね」(Hito ni yotte chigaimasu ne - It differs depending on the person, doesn't it?) are frequently heard in everyday conversations when discussing preferences or diverse opinions. This usage acts as a bridge, making によって feel less overtly formal compared to its other applications.
Ultimately, discerning when to employ によって versus its more casual counterparts is a key step toward achieving natural and contextually appropriate Japanese communication. It acts as a clear marker of formality and objectivity, rendering it indispensable for formal and explanatory contexts, but less so for the spontaneity of casual dialogue.
JLPT Tips
For the JLPT N3 examination, you will almost certainly encounter によって. Because it has multiple meanings, it is crucial to pay very close attention to the context of the sentence to correctly identify its intended meaning. The verb or the overall sentence structure often provides strong clues.
When you encounter によって, immediately consider these common interpretive scenarios:
Passive sentences: If によって is followed by a passive verb (e.g., ～される, ～書かれた, ～建てられた), it is almost always indicating the agent—the person or entity that performed the action. For instance, 「～によって書かれた」 (written by ～) clearly marks the writer.
Changes or variations: If the sentence discusses something differing, changing, or varying, especially with verbs like 異なります (kotonarimasu - to differ), 変わります (kawarimasu - to change), or 違います (chigaimasu - to be different), then によって signifies "depending on" or "according to." An example would be 「人によって意見が違う」 (opinions differ depending on the person).
Cause and effect: If によって is followed by a consequence or result, it conveys "due to" or "because of." This usage typically involves more objective, impactful, or formal causes such as natural disasters, governmental policies, or systemic issues. For example, 「事故によって交通が麻痺した」 (traffic was paralyzed due to the accident).
Method or means: If によって describes how something was accomplished or achieved, it means "by means of" or "through." This often involves abstract methods, systemic approaches, or official procedures. For example, 「インターネットによって情報収集する」 (gather information by means of the internet).
A highly effective strategy for the JLPT is to practice identifying these distinct functions of によって. Focus on the noun immediately preceding によって and the verb or phrase that follows it. Creating flashcards with example sentences that clearly illustrate each meaning will also be beneficial. Additionally, be vigilant not to confuse によって with similar-looking particles like に and で, especially in contexts where multiple particles might seem plausible but carry different nuances. The key to success often lies in discerning the level of formality and the precise nature of the means, cause, or agent being described. A thorough understanding of によって will significantly enhance your N3 comprehension and test performance.