を踏まえて 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, を踏まえて is a precise, respectful way to do it.
Once you grasp を踏まえて, you unlock the ability to sound more nuanced and respectful in Japanese business and academic settings.
What does を踏まえて mean?
Use を踏まえて 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 ~
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 を踏まえて
The noun is typically an abstract concept — an opinion, result, situation, trend, need, etc. It can also be a noun phrase.
In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often attach を踏まえて to an incorrect word class — for example, a verb (like 話す) without nominalization. Always check that the element before を is a pure noun.
When is を踏まえて used?
Use を踏まえて 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.
を踏まえて example sentences
ご意見を踏まえて、計画を修正します。
Based on your opinion, we will revise the plan.
現状を踏まえて、対策を検討します。
Taking the current situation into account, we will consider countermeasures.
調査結果を踏まえて、戦略を立てる。
We formulate a strategy based on the survey results.
お客様の声を踏まえて、商品を改良しました。
We improved the product based on customer feedback.
専門医の意見を踏まえて、治療方針を決めました。
We decided on the treatment plan based on the specialist’s opinion.
After reading each sentence, ask what job を踏まえて is doing: it shows that the following action was chosen after carefully examining the noun before を.
Nuance of を踏まえて
The key nuance is deliberate consideration. Unlike simply saying “because of X,” を踏まえて 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, を踏まえて 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.
を踏まえて vs に基づいて
Both を踏まえて and に基づいて can be translated as “based on,” but they differ in flexibility and connotation.
を踏まえて:
- Used when human judgment is involved; the noun is a factor, not a rule.
- Example: ご意見を踏まえて、最終的には社長が決める。 (Based on the opinions, the president will make the final decision.)
に基づいて:
- Used when something is built squarely on a standard, law, rule, or data.
- Example: 法律に基づいて判断する。 (Judge based on the law.)
If both translations seem possible, check the tone: Is the speaker presenting a strict causal chain (→ に基づいて) or a considered judgment that allows for other factors (→ を踏まえて)? The answer tells you which pattern is natural.
Common mistakes with を踏まえて
A helpful practice method is to write a sentence with を踏まえて, then try replacing it with に基づいて or を考慮して. If the tone shifts, explain the difference in your own words.
Is を踏まえて on the JLPT?
を踏まえて is a standard JLPT N1 grammar item. It appears in the reading comprehension and listening sections where formal decision-making or reporting is involved.
JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context — not just the dictionary meaning.
Practice questions for を踏まえて
Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the formal, considered nuance becomes clear.
Learning path for を踏まえて
Related grammar to review next
- を経て — Another を-based pattern, meaning “through (a process or time),” often used to show a sequence before a result.
- を控えて — “With ~ just ahead,” for upcoming events or deadlines; also a formal を construction.
- をいいことに — “Taking advantage of (a situation),” where を marks the favourable condition that is exploited.
- を顧みずも顧みず — A set phrase meaning “without regard for,” combining を + 顧みる in a literary expression.
Learn を踏まえて with Hane
If you want to review を踏まえて 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.
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FAQ about を踏まえて
What does を踏まえて (o fumaete) mean in Japanese?
を踏まえて (o fumaete) means “to be based on; to take into account”. It is JLPT N1 grammar. Use を踏まえて 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.
How do you form を踏まえて (o fumaete)?
Noun + を踏まえて The noun is typically an abstract concept — an opinion, result, situation, trend, need, etc. It can also be a noun phrase.
What is the difference between を踏まえて and に基づいて?
を踏まえて: Used when human judgment is involved; the noun is a factor, not a rule.; Example: ご意見を踏まえて、最終的には社長が決める。 (Based on the opinions, the president will make the final decision.). に基づいて: Used when something is built squarely on a standard, law, rule, or data.; Example: 法律に基づいて判断する。 (Judge based on the law.).
What is an example sentence with を踏まえて (o fumaete)?
ご意見を踏まえて、計画を修正します。 — Based on your opinion, we will revise the plan.