# によると / よれば: according to

> Learn how to use によると / よれば, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-ni-yoru-to/

**によると / よれば** means **according to**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **cite a source of information**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral to formal** Japanese. If you want to **cite a source of information**, **によると / よれば** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does によると / よれば mean?

Use **によると / よれば** when you want to **cite a source of information**.

Natural translations include:
- according to
- according to
- according to

## How to form によると / よれば

Noun + によると / Noun + よれば

Examples of the pattern:
- 天気予報によると
- ニュースよれば
- 先生によると

## When is によると / よれば used?

Use **によると / よれば** in situations like:
- reporting news
- citing forecasts or research
- sharing information from another person

Tone and register:
- neutral to formal
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## によると / よれば example sentences

- 天気予報によると、明日は雨です。 — According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
- ニュースよれば、電車が遅れているそうです。 — According to the news, the train is delayed.
- 先生によると、この表現はN3でよく出るそうです。 — According to the teacher, this expression often appears at N3.
- 調査によると、利用者が増えています。 — According to the survey, users are increasing.
- 彼の話よれば、会議は中止になった。 — According to what he said, the meeting was canceled.

## Nuance of によると / よれば

The key nuance is **source citation; the speaker is reporting information from elsewhere**.

This matters because **によると / よれば** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[によって](/blog/n3-ni-yotte/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## によると / よれば vs によって

Both **によると / よれば** and **[によって](/blog/n3-ni-yotte/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**によると / よれば**:
- means **according to**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[によって](/blog/n3-ni-yotte/)**:
- によって can mean by/due to/by means of; によると specifically cites an information source

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 天気予報によると、明日は雨です。 — According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[によって](/blog/n3-ni-yotte/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with によると / よれば

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it without a source
- Confusing it with cause/reason によって
- Forgetting hearsay endings like そうだ often appear with it

## Is によると / よれば on the JLPT?

Yes. **によると / よれば** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for によると / よれば

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Report tomorrow’s weather forecast.
- Cite a survey result.
- Say according to your teacher, it is important.

## Learning path for によると / よれば

To learn **によると / よれば** efficiently, review basic particles like について and に, then focus on the relationship each formal marker creates.

1. First, make sure you can form **によると / よれば** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [に対して（にたいして）](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/), [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write reading-style sentences about society, research, policy, opinions, and reports; then check whether replacing **によると / よれば** with [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [に対して（にたいして）](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [に関する / に関して](/blog/n3-ni-kan-suru/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.

## Learn によると / よれば with Hane

If you want to review **によると / よれば** 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 N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)