〜に鑑み

In Light of

Level 6Sounds Like nikangami

〜に鑑み（〜にかんがみ） is an extremely formal, literary expression used in official documents and business to say 'in light of' or 'considering.' It implies that a decision is being made by reflecting on a specific fact, precedent, or social situation.

How It Works

This pattern is a staple of formal writing, such as legal texts, government announcements, and high-level corporate reports. It is almost never used in casual conversation.

1. Grammatical Structure:
It primarily attaches to nouns. While the traditional and most formal particle is に, you will frequently see を used in modern business contexts. However, for formal examinations or legal writing, に鑑み remains the standard.

  • Noun + に鑑み / に鑑みて
  • Verb (Plain Form) + ことに鑑み

2. Nuance and Usage:
Unlike simpler expressions like に基づいて (based on), に鑑み suggests a high level of objective reflection. It is used when the 'basis' for the decision is a significant external factor, such as:

  • Social conditions (社会情勢)
  • Past precedents (先例)
  • Various circumstances (諸般の事情)

3. Forms:
The stem form に鑑み is more literary and common in written reports. The te-form に鑑みて is slightly more common in formal speech or business emails.

Examples (4)

  1. 昨今の社会情勢に鑑み、本年度の祝賀会は中止することといたしました。

    In light of recent social conditions, we have decided to cancel this year's celebration.

    Word by Word: Recent social conditions in light of, this year's celebration as for, canceling decided to do.

    This is a classic example of the pattern used in a formal announcement to explain the reason for a cancellation.

  2. 過去の類似した先例に鑑みて、今回の提携案は慎重に検討すべきである。

    In view of similar past precedents, we should consider this partnership proposal carefully.

    Word by Word: Past similar precedents in light of, this time's partnership proposal as for, carefully consider should do.

    Here, 'precedent' serves as the 'mirror' or standard against which the current proposal is being judged.

  3. 諸般の事情に鑑み、営業時間を短縮させていただきます。

    Taking various circumstances into account, we will be shortening our business hours.

    Word by Word: Various circumstances in light of, business hours shorten will do.

    諸般の事情（しょはんのじじょう） is a set formal phrase often paired with this grammar to mean 'various reasons' or 'all things considered.'

  4. 環境保護の重要性に鑑み、新しい規制が導入された。

    In light of the importance of environmental protection, new regulations were introduced.

    Word by Word: Environmental protection's importance in light of, new regulations were introduced.

    This shows the pattern used in a policy-making context, where a value or standard (environmental protection) dictates the action.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the pattern in casual or everyday situations.

    今日の天気に鑑み、デパートに行こう。
    今日の天気がいいから、デパートに行こう。

    Using 〜に鑑み for daily decisions like going to the mall sounds unnaturally stiff and robotic. Use simple reason markers like から or ので instead.

  • Confusing the reading of the kanji.

    状況に「かがみ」...
    状況に「かんがみ」...

    While the word comes from 鏡（かがみ）, the verb is 鑑みる（かんがみる）. The reading must be かんがみ.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

〜に鑑みLevel 6In Light of

Learn This First

〜に鑑み (ni kangami) is a formal expression meaning 'in light of' or 'taking into account'. It is the continuative form of the verb '鑑みる' (to take into account/learn from). To understand it, learners need to be familiar with the particle 'に' used for targets of consideration, the formal written style of using verb stems to connect sentences, and the general context of high-level formal Japanese.

Words in This Pattern

鑑みる