# を踏まえて: to be based on; to take into account ~

> Learn how to use を踏まえて, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning to be based on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-o-fumaete/

**を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** means **to be based on; to take into account ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used when a decision, plan, or evaluation is made after carefully considering a certain fact, opinion, or situation.

This grammar point often appears in business documents, academic writing, news reports, and formal speeches. If you want to express that something was done with full awareness of the relevant information, **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is a precise, respectful way to do it.

<blockquote class="pullquote">
Once you grasp を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て, you unlock the ability to sound more nuanced and respectful in Japanese business and academic settings.
</blockquote>

## What does を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て mean?

Use **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** when you want to say that a conclusion or action is **based on** a given fact, opinion, or circumstance — and that fact was **carefully weighed** before proceeding.

Natural translations include:
- based on; taking into account; in light of; considering ~

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the intention of the speaker or writer first: are they emphasizing deliberation, respect for the source, or logical connection? Then pick the English phrase that matches that tone.

## How to form を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

<div class="formation">
  <div class="ftoken"><span class="t-core">Noun</span></div>
  <div class="fplus">+</div>
  <div class="ftoken"><span class="t-core">を<span class="furi" data-furi="ふ">踏</span>まえて</span></div>
</div>

The noun is typically an abstract concept — an opinion, result, situation, trend, need, etc. It can also be a noun phrase.

<div class="formula">
  <div>ご<ruby>意見<rp>(</rp><rt>いけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
  <div><ruby>調査<rp>(</rp><rt>ちょうさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>結果<rp>(</rp><rt>けっか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
  <div><ruby>現状<rp>(</rp><rt>げんじょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
  <div>お<ruby>客<rp>(</rp><rt>きゃく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>様<rp>(</rp><rt>さま</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>声<rp>(</rp><rt>こえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
</div>

The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often attach **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** to an incorrect word class — for example, a verb (like <ruby>話す<rp>(</rp><rt>はなす</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>) without nominalization. Always check that the element before を is a pure noun.

## When is を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て used?

Use **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** in situations like:
- presenting a policy, plan, or recommendation that has considered expert opinion
- explaining changes or revisions that reflect feedback
- summarizing how data influenced a decision
- connecting ideas in formal speeches, reports, or proposals

Tone and register:
- formal and businesslike; also common in academic writing
- carries a nuance of thoroughness and respect for the source
- not used in casual conversation — using it with friends sounds out of place

Common contexts: company meetings, press releases, research papers, official statements, JLPT N1 reading passages.

## を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て example sentences

<div class="examples">
  <div class="example">
    <p class="example-jp"><span class="furi" data-furi="ごいけん">ご<ruby>意見<rp>(</rp><rt>いけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="ふ">踏</span>まえて、<span class="furi" data-furi="けいかく"><ruby>計画<rp>(</rp><rt>けいかく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="しゅうせい"><ruby>修正<rp>(</rp><rt>しゅうせい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>します。</p>
    <p class="example-en">Based on your opinion, we will revise the plan.</p>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">polite</span><span class="example-tag">business</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <p class="example-jp"><span class="furi" data-furi="げんじょう"><ruby>現状<rp>(</rp><rt>げんじょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="ふ">踏</span>まえて、<span class="furi" data-furi="たいさく"><ruby>対策<rp>(</rp><rt>たいさく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="けんとう"><ruby>検討<rp>(</rp><rt>けんとう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>します。</p>
    <p class="example-en">Taking the current situation into account, we will consider countermeasures.</p>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">formal</span><span class="example-tag">report</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <p class="example-jp"><span class="furi" data-furi="ちょうさけっか"><ruby>調査<rp>(</rp><rt>ちょうさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>結果<rp>(</rp><rt>けっか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="ふ">踏</span>まえて、<span class="furi" data-furi="せんりゃく"><ruby>戦略<rp>(</rp><rt>せんりゃく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="た"><ruby>立<rp>(</rp><rt>たて</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>てる。</p>
    <p class="example-en">We formulate a strategy based on the survey results.</p>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">written</span><span class="example-tag">business</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <p class="example-jp"><span class="furi" data-furi="おきゃくさま">お<ruby>客<rp>(</rp><rt>きゃく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>様<rp>(</rp><rt>さま</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>の<span class="furi" data-furi="こえ"><ruby>声<rp>(</rp><rt>こえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="ふ">踏</span>まえて、<span class="furi" data-furi="しょうひん"><ruby>商品<rp>(</rp><rt>しょうひん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="かいりょう"><ruby>改良<rp>(</rp><rt>かいりょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>しました。</p>
    <p class="example-en">We improved the product based on customer feedback.</p>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">polite</span><span class="example-tag">customer</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="example">
    <p class="example-jp"><span class="furi" data-furi="せんもんい"><ruby>専門医<rp>(</rp><rt>せんもんい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>の<span class="furi" data-furi="いけん"><ruby>意見<rp>(</rp><rt>いけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="ふ">踏</span>まえて、<span class="furi" data-furi="ちりょうほうしん"><ruby>治療<rp>(</rp><rt>ちりょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>方針<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうしん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>を<span class="furi" data-furi="き"><ruby>決<rp>(</rp><rt>けつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>めました。</p>
    <p class="example-en">We decided on the treatment plan based on the specialist’s opinion.</p>
    <div class="example-foot"><span class="example-tag">medical</span><span class="example-tag">formal</span></div>
  </div>
</div>

After reading each sentence, ask what job **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is doing: it shows that the following action was chosen after carefully examining the noun before を. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation.

## Nuance of を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

The key nuance is **deliberate consideration**. Unlike simply saying "because of X," **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** signals that you have examined X, respected its implications, and then arrived at a decision.

This matters because learners often translate it as "based on" and assume it is interchangeable with every other reason expression. In reality, **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** carries a formal, thoughtful weight:
- It implies the speaker has actually weighed the information, not just used it as a superficial reason.
- It often appears when the decision involves responsibility — a company policy, a government announcement, a medical judgment.

<div class="note-callout">
  <div class="note-icon">⚠️</div>
  <div class="note-body">を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て is firmly in the formal register. Using it in casual conversation (e.g., “<ruby>昨日<rp>(</rp><rt>きのう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>天気<rp>(</rp><rt>てんき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>傘<rp>(</rp><rt>かさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>持っ<rp>(</rp><rt>もっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>てきた”) sounds unnatural and overblown. Reserve it for serious contexts.</div>
</div>

## を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て vs に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

Both **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** and **に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** can be translated as "based on," but they differ in flexibility and connotation.

<div class="compare">
  <div class="cmp">
    <div class="a">
      <div class="cmp-head">を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
      <div class="cmp-sub">weighed consideration; the fact influences but does not dictate</div>
    </div>
    <div class="vs">vs</div>
    <div class="b">
      <div class="cmp-head">に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
      <div class="cmp-sub">strict foundation; the fact is the literal basis, often no room for interpretation</div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

**を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て**:
- Used when human judgment is involved; the noun is a factor, not a rule.
- Example: ご<ruby>意見<rp>(</rp><rt>いけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て、<ruby>最終的<rp>(</rp><rt>さいしゅうてき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>には<ruby>社長<rp>(</rp><rt>しゃちょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>決める<rp>(</rp><rt>きめる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>。 (Based on the opinions, the president will make the final decision.)

**に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て**:
- Used when something is built squarely on a standard, law, rule, or data.
- Example: <ruby>法律<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうりつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>判断<rp>(</rp><rt>はんだん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する。 (Judge based on the law.)

<div class="compare">
  <div class="cmp">
    <div class="cmp-when">When you can use both</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg"><ruby>調査<rp>(</rp><rt>ちょうさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>結果<rp>(</rp><rt>けっか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>計画<rp>(</rp><rt>けいかく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>立てる<rp>(</rp><rt>たてる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></div>
    <div class="cmp-eg-en">Taking the survey results into account, make a plan.</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg"><ruby>調査<rp>(</rp><rt>ちょうさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>結果<rp>(</rp><rt>けっか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>計画<rp>(</rp><rt>けいかく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>立てる<rp>(</rp><rt>たてる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></div>
    <div class="cmp-eg-en">Make a plan based on the survey results (using them as the direct foundation).</div>
  </div>
</div>

If both translations seem possible, check the tone: Is the speaker presenting a strict causal chain (→ に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て) or a considered judgment that allows for other factors (→ を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て)? The answer tells you which pattern is natural.

## Common mistakes with を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

<div class="mistakes">
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline bad">
      <div class="mark bad">❌</div>
      <div class="mline-body"><ruby>話し<rp>(</rp><rt>はなし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>たを<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    </div>
    <div class="mline good">
      <div class="mark good">✅</div>
      <div class="mline-body"><strong><ruby>話し合い<rp>(</rp><rt>はなしあい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></strong>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    </div>
    <div class="note">You must use a noun before を. Verbs need to be nominalized or replaced with a noun.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline bad">
      <div class="mark bad">❌</div>
      <div class="mline-body"><ruby>意見<rp>(</rp><rt>いけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    </div>
    <div class="mline good">
      <div class="mark good">✅</div>
      <div class="mline-body"><ruby>意見<rp>(</rp><rt>いけん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><strong>を</strong><ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    </div>
    <div class="note">The particle を is fixed. You cannot drop it, even in casual writing.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="mistake">
    <div class="mline bad">
      <div class="mark bad">❌</div>
      <div class="mline-body"><ruby>天気予報<rp>(</rp><rt>てんきよほう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て、<ruby>洗濯<rp>(</rp><rt>せんたく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する。</div>
    </div>
    <div class="mline good">
      <div class="mark good">✅</div>
      <div class="mline-body"><ruby>天気予報<rp>(</rp><rt>てんきよほう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><strong>を<ruby>参考<rp>(</rp><rt>さんこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>にして</strong>、<ruby>洗濯<rp>(</rp><rt>せんたく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する。</div>
    </div>
    <div class="note">For trivial, everyday decisions, use a lighter expression like を<ruby>参考<rp>(</rp><rt>さんこう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>にして. を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て is too heavy.</div>
  </div>
</div>

A helpful practice method is to write a sentence with **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て**, then try replacing it with **に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** or **を<ruby>考慮<rp>(</rp><rt>こうりょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>して**. If the tone shifts, explain the difference in your own words.

## Is を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て on the JLPT?

<div class="jlpt-card">
  <div class="jlpt-shield">N1</div>
  <div class="jlpt-info">
    <p><strong>を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong> is a standard JLPT N1 grammar item. It appears in the reading comprehension and listening sections where formal decision-making or reporting is involved.</p>
    <div class="jlpt-checks">
      <div>✔ Recognise in reading passages that describe policies, research, or business moves</div>
      <div>✔ Understand the nuance of deliberation vs. rigid basis</div>
      <div>✔ Answer questions that ask why a decision was made (the clue is often を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て)</div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context — not just the dictionary meaning.

## Practice questions for を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

<div class="prompts">
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">1</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Write a sentence where a company changes its product based on customer surveys, using を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag">business</div>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">2</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Create a scenario where a friend gives you advice about a language school, and you decide accordingly. Use を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て — then rewrite it with に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て and explain why one feels less natural.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag">compare</div>
  </div>
  <div class="prompt">
    <div class="prompt-num">3</div>
    <div class="prompt-text">Read a short news article about a government policy. Underline every expression that is equivalent to “based on,” and decide whether を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て or に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て fits better.</div>
    <div class="prompt-tag">reading</div>
  </div>
</div>

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the formal, considered nuance becomes clear.

## Learning path for を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

<div class="path">
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">1</div>
    <div class="step-body">Memorise the fixed pattern: <strong>Noun + を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong>. Make sure you can produce the form correctly in writing without hesitation.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">2</div>
    <div class="step-body">Compare with **に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** and **を<ruby>考慮<rp>(</rp><rt>こうりょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>して**. Learn the differences in formality and rigidity. Write two sentences for each where only one of the three is natural.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">3</div>
    <div class="step-body">Write 3–5 original sentences using を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て in business or academic contexts. Include a noun like <ruby>調査<rp>(</rp><rt>ちょうさ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>結果<rp>(</rp><rt>けっか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>現状<rp>(</rp><rt>げんじょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, or ご<ruby>要望<rp>(</rp><rt>ようぼう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> as the base.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="path-step">
    <div class="step-num">4</div>
    <div class="step-body">Review the related grammar patterns below. They all involve the particle を, and mastering them as a cluster will boost your N1 reading speed.</div>
  </div>
</div>

## Related grammar to review next

- [を<ruby>経<rp>(</rp><rt>へ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て](/blog/n1-o-hete/) — Another を-based pattern, meaning “through (a process or time),” often used to show a sequence before a result.
- [を<ruby>控え<rp>(</rp><rt>ひかえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て](/blog/n1-o-hikaete/) — “With ~ just ahead,” for upcoming events or deadlines; also a formal を construction.
- [をいいことに](/blog/n1-o-ii-koto-ni/) — “Taking advantage of (a situation),” where を marks the favourable condition that is exploited.
- [を<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ずも<ruby>顧み<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ず](/blog/n1-o-kaerimizu-mo-kaerimizu/) — A set phrase meaning “without regard for,” combining を + <ruby>顧みる<rp>(</rp><rt>かえりみる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> in a literary expression.

## Learn を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て with Hane

If you want to review **を<ruby>踏まえ<rp>(</rp><rt>ふまえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Build the habit of using formal grammar like a native — one lesson at a time.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
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