# に応じて: depending on; according to > Learn how to use に応じて, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning depending on; according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-ni-oujite/ **に応じて** means **depending on; according to**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **adjust something according to a condition, level, or request**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **に応じて** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does に応じて mean? Use **に応じて** when you want to **adjust something according to a condition, level, or request**. Natural translations include: - depending on; according to - 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 に応じて Noun + に応じて Examples of the pattern: - 経験に応じて - 状況に応じて - 年齢に応じた教材を選ぶ。 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 に応じて used? Use **に応じて** 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 ## に応じて example sentences - 経験に応じて、給料が変わります。 — Salary changes depending on experience. - 状況に応じて、計画を変更しましょう。 — Let's change the plan according to the situation. - 年齢に応じた教材を選ぶ。 — Choose materials appropriate to age. - 注文数に応じて、割引があります。 — There is a discount depending on the number ordered. - 能力に応じて、仕事を分担した。 — We divided the work according to ability. After reading each sentence, ask what job **に応じて** 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 に応じて The key nuance is **adjust something according to a condition, level, or request**. 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, **に応じて** 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. ## に応じて vs によって Both **に応じて** and **によって** can express related ideas, but they are different. **に応じて**: - 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: - 経験に応じて、給料が変わります。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **によって** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with に応じて 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 **に応じて**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is に応じて on the JLPT? Yes. **に応じて** 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 に応じて Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **に応じて**. - 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 に応じて To learn **に応じて** 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 **に応じて** 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 **に応じて** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [に応えて](/blog/n2-ni-kotaete/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n3 ni yotte](/blog/n3-ni-yotte/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [に関わらず](/blog/n2-ni-kakawarazu/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn に応じて with Hane If you want to review **に応じて** 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](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)