に応じて

Depending on

Level 3Sounds Like nioujite

に応じて（におうじて） is used to describe how something is adjusted, changed, or decided based on a specific condition or variable. It emphasizes a proportional or flexible response to a situation.

How It Works

に応じて is a compound particle that describes a relationship where the second part of the sentence (B) is tailored or varied to match the first part (A). Common translations include 'depending on,' 'in accordance with,' 'in proportion to,' or 'in response to.'

Key Usages:

  • 1. Corresponding to a Scale or Range: The preceding noun often possesses a range, scale, or multiple possibilities (e.g., 年齢（ねんれい）, 予算（よさん）, 天候（てんこう）). The outcome shifts as the condition shifts.
  • 2. Complying with a Request or Need: It can also attach to nouns expressing requests or necessities (e.g., 要望（ようぼう）, 必要（ひつよう）) to mean acting in response to them.
  • 3. Connecting Verbs: This pattern most commonly attaches directly to nouns. While it is grammatically possible to attach it to a verb by nominalizing it with の (e.g., 変化（へんか）するのに応じて - in accordance with the changes), direct noun attachment (e.g., 変化（へんか）に応じて) is generally preferred. For proportional changes with verbs, patterns like に従って or につれて are more commonly used. It is also possible to use embedded questions with か (e.g., どれくらい食べる（たべる）かに応じて - depending on how much you eat).
  • Constraint on Part A: The preceding word must represent something with multiple possibilities, a range, or a condition. It cannot be a single, fixed event (e.g., you can say 天候（てんこう）に応じて but not 雨（あめ）が降る（ふる）ことに応じて, because a fixed fact lacks variation).
  • Expressions in Part B: When Part A is a scale or range, Part B usually contains an expression of change, variation, or adjustment (e.g., 変える（かえる）, 変わる（かわる）, 決める（きめる）). However, when Part A is a request or need, Part B often uses standard action verbs to show an action executed conditionally (e.g., 連絡する（れんらくする）).
  • Vs. に応えて: When responding to requests, 要望（ようぼう）に応じて is neutral and mechanical (adapting to the request), whereas 要望（ようぼう）に応えて is proactive and emotional (wanting to satisfy or live up to expectations). Note that when using nouns like 期待（きたい） (expectations), the meaning changes based on the pattern. To mean 'to meet or satisfy expectations,' you must use 期待（きたい）に応えて（こたえて）. However, 期待（きたい）に応じて（おうじて） is grammatically valid when it means 'varying depending on the level of expectation' (e.g., 相手（あいて）の期待（きたい）に応じて対応（たいおう）を変える（かえる） - to change one's response depending on the other person's expectations).

Grammatical Forms:
1. [Noun] + に応じて: Functions as an adverb to modify a verb.
2. [Noun] + に応じた + [Noun]: Functions as an adjective to modify a noun.
3. [Noun] + に応じ: A written continuative form used to link clauses.

Examples (4)

  1. 収入に応じて、払う税金の額が決まります。

    The amount of tax you pay is decided depending on your income.

    Word by Word: Income according to, pay tax amount (subject) is decided.

    Here, the tax amount is not a fixed category but adjusts proportionally based on how much money one earns.

  2. 体力に応じたトレーニングメニューを作りましょう。

    Let's create a training menu commensurate with your physical strength.

    Word by Word: Physical strength according to (adjective form) training menu (object) let's make.

    This uses the に応じた form to modify the noun 'training menu,' meaning the menu is tailored to the person's specific strength level.

  3. 状況に応じて、予定を変更することがあります。

    Depending on the situation, we may change the schedule.

    Word by Word: Situation according to, schedule (object) change thing (subject) exists.

    This shows flexibility; the schedule is not set in stone but will be adjusted as the situation evolves.

  4. お客様の要望に応じて、新商品を開発しました。

    We developed a new product in response to customer requests.

    Word by Word: Customers' requests according to, new product (object) developed.

    This demonstrates the usage of complying with a request or need. The action (developing a product) is executed in response to a specific demand, rather than adjusting to a sliding scale.

Common Mistakes

  • Using に応じて for fixed binary outcomes (like pass/fail).

    テストの結果に応じて、合格か不合格が決まる。
    テストの結果によって、合格か不合格が決まる。

    に応じて implies a sliding scale or proportional adjustment. For distinct categories like 'pass' or 'fail,' によって is the correct choice.

  • Using に応えて with variables instead of human elements.

    年齢に応えて、クラスを分けます。
    年齢に応じて、クラスを分けます。

    While に応じて can be used for both variables (like age or budget) and requests, に応えて（にこたえて）is strictly for responding to human elements like expectations, hopes, or demands. You cannot use に応えて with variables.

How It Connects

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

に応じてLevel 3Depending on

Learn This First

To understand 'に応じて' (depending on/in accordance with), learners need to be familiar with the particle 'に' and the 'te-form' of verbs, as the pattern is a grammaticalized form of the verb '応じる' (to respond). Familiarity with 'によって' is also helpful as it shares a similar 'dependency' meaning but is more general.

Words in This Pattern

に応じて応じる