# をもとに: based on

> Learn how to use をもとに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning based on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-o-moto-ni/

**をもとに** means **based on**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **say something is created or judged from a source or foundation**.

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

## What does をもとに mean?

Use **をもとに** when you want to **say something is created or judged from a source or foundation**.

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 をもとに

Noun + をもとに

Examples of the pattern:
- 実話をもとにした映画です。
- アンケート結果をもとに
- 昔話をもとに

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 をもとに used?

Use **をもとに** 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, depending on the expression
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## をもとに example sentences

- 実話をもとにした映画です。 — It is a movie based on a true story.
- アンケート結果をもとに、商品を改善した。 — We improved the product based on survey results.
- 昔話をもとに、新しい物語を書いた。 — I wrote a new story based on an old tale.
- データをもとに、今後の方針を決める。 — We will decide the future policy based on data.
- この資料をもとに、発表の準備をしてください。 — Please prepare your presentation based on this material.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **をもとに** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of をもとに

The key nuance is **say something is created or judged from a source or foundation**.

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, **をもとに** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **に基づいて**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## をもとに vs に基づいて

Both **をもとに** and **に基づいて** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**をもとに**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**に基づいて**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 実話をもとにした映画です。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **に基づいて** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with をもとに

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **に基づいて** 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 **をもとに**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is をもとに on the JLPT?

Yes. **をもとに** 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 をもとに

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **をもとに**.
- Write a second sentence with **に基づいて** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for をもとに

To learn **をもとに** 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 **をもとに** with **に基づいて** 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 **をもとに** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [n2 ni motozuite](/blog/n2-ni-motozuite/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n2 no ue de wa](/blog/n2-no-ue-de-wa/) — 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

## Learn をもとに with Hane

If you want to review **をもとに** 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/)