に基づいて

に基づいて means based on. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to state the basis, data, rule, or evidence for an action or judgment.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, に基づいて is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker’s logic, stance, or emphasis.

What does に基づいて mean?

Use に基づいて when you want to state the basis, data, rule, or evidence for an action or judgment.

Natural translations include:

• based on
• depending on context
• in a way that matches the speaker’s emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

How to form に基づいて

Noun + に基づいて

Examples of the pattern:

• 調査結果に基づいて
• 事実に基づいて判断してください。
• 法律に基づいて

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

When is に基づいて used?

Use に基づいて in situations like:

• reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
• making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
• connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:

• usually neutral to formal
• common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

に基づいて example sentences

• 調査結果に基づいて、計画を見直した。 — Based on the survey results, we reviewed the plan.
• 事実に基づいて判断してください。 — Please judge based on facts.
• 法律に基づいて、手続きを行います。 — We will carry out the procedure based on the law.
• 過去のデータに基づいて、売上を予測した。 — Based on past data, we predicted sales.
• 彼の経験に基づいたアドバイスは説得力がある。 — Advice based on his experience is persuasive.

After reading each sentence, ask what job に基づいて is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

Nuance of に基づいて

The key nuance is state the basis, data, rule, or evidence for an action or judgment.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:

• In formal writing, に基づいて often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
• Compared with によって, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

に基づいて vs によって

Both に基づいて and によって can express related ideas, but they are different.

に基づいて:

• fits the N2 nuance explained above
• often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

によって:

• is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
• may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:

• 調査結果に基づいて、計画を見直した。
• Try rewriting the sentence with によって and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

Common mistakes with に基づいて

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
• Confusing it with によって just because the English translation overlaps
• Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with に基づいて, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

Is に基づいて on the JLPT?

Yes. に基づいて is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

Practice questions for に基づいて

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

• Write one sentence that clearly needs に基づいて.
• Write a second sentence with によって and compare the nuance.
• Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

Learning path for に基づいて

To learn に基づいて efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern’s real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare に基づいて with によって and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes に基づいて necessary.

Related grammar to review next

• n3 ni yotte — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• の上では — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• に沿って — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

Learn に基づいて with Hane

If you want to review に基づいて together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

• All grammar lessons
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons