に基づいて
Based on
に基づいて（にもとづいて） is a formal way to say 'based on' or 'in accordance with.' It is used when an action or decision is grounded in objective facts, rules, or data.
How It Works
に基づいて is primarily used in formal contexts like business, law, and academic writing. It connects a noun (the basis) to a verb or a full clause.
Key Characteristics:
- Objective Basis: It is used for abstract foundations like 法律（ほうりつ - law）, 調査（ちょうさ - survey）, or 事実（じじつ - fact）. It is not used for physical materials (e.g., you cannot say 'bread based on flour' with this pattern).
- Formal Register: In very formal writing or news reports, the continuative form に基づき is often used instead of に基づいて.
- Noun Modification: To describe a noun using this pattern, you must use に基づく or に基づいた (e.g., 法律に基づく権利 - rights based on the law).
Examples (4)
- 公務員の給料は、法律に基づいて決められています。
Public servants' salaries are determined based on the law.
Word by Word: Public servants' salary (topic), law based on, is being decided.
Here, 'law' is the objective criteria used to determine the salary.
- 今回の調査結果に基づいて、新しいプロジェクトを計画します。
We will plan a new project based on the results of this survey.
Word by Word: This time's survey results based on, new project (object) plan.
The survey results provide the data-driven foundation for the new plan.
- この映画は、実際に起きた事件に基づいたフィクションです。
This movie is a work of fiction based on an actual incident.
Word by Word: This movie (topic), actually occurred incident based on fiction is.
This shows the noun-modifying form 'に基づいた' connecting the basis (incident) to the result (fiction).
- アンケートの結果に基づき、メニューを改善しました。
Based on the survey results, we improved the menu.
Word by Word: Survey results based on, menu (object) improved.
Using 'に基づき' (the stem form) makes the sentence sound more like a formal business report.
Common Mistakes
Using it for physical materials or ingredients.
このパンは小麦粉に基づいて作られています。このパンは小麦粉から作られています。に基づいて（にもとづいて） is for abstract foundations like data or rules, not physical ingredients. Use から or で for materials.
Incorrectly modifying a noun with 'に基づいて'.
法律に基づいて権利を守る。法律に基づく権利を守る。When modifying a noun (like 'rights'), you must use the dictionary form 'に基づく' or the 'た' form 'に基づいた' instead of the 'て' form.
How It Connects
Learn This First
に基づいて (ni motozuite) is a compound particle pattern used to indicate a foundation or basis. It is formed by the particle に and the te-form of the verb 基づく (to be based on). To understand this pattern, learners need to be familiar with the te-form for connecting verbs and the use of the particle に to indicate a target or basis.
Related Patterns
- をもとにBased on
Similar meaning ('based on'), but をもとに is used more for creative inspiration or raw materials, whereas に基づいて is for logical/legal criteria.
Level 3 - によるとAccording to
Used to cite a source of information (によると), while に基づいて focuses on the foundation for an action or judgment.
Level 3 - によってBy/depending on
A versatile particle (によって) that can mean 'by means of' or 'depending on,' sometimes overlapping with に基づいて when expressing a cause or basis.
Level 3 - に沿ってAlong, In Line with
Means 'along' or 'in accordance with' (に沿って) a manual or path, focusing on following a sequence rather than just having a logical foundation.
Level 3 - としてAs/in the Role of
Means 'as' or 'in the capacity of' (として). While に基づいて provides the basis for an action, として defines the role or category of the subject.
Level 3
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Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice に基づいて in Bubblegum
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