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Mastering 〜によって in Japanese | My Language Classes
How to Use 〜によって in Japanese
Are you wondering what the phrase 「〜によって」 really means in Japanese? Have you come across it in books, anime, or conversations and felt unsure about how to use it? It is a must-know grammar pattern for JLPT N3–N2 learners and worth knowing even at N4 level. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place!
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into one of the most versatile grammar points in Japanese: 〜によって. This powerful expression can help you talk about causes, methods, agents of actions, and even how things can differ depending on the situation.
Understanding how and when to use 〜によって can greatly improve your Japanese fluency, especially in written and formal contexts. Whether you’re a beginner trying to build strong grammar foundations or an advanced learner polishing your skills, this guide is built for you.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to confidently:
- Use 〜によって in real-life sentences.
- Avoid common mistakes.
- Understand all the grammar rules and exceptions around this phrase.
- Practice what you’ve learned with fun and clear exercises.
Let’s get started!
📚 Common Expressions with 〜によって
The grammar structure 〜によって is one of those multi-purpose tools in Japanese that pops up in many useful expressions. It often appears in formal speech, writing, news reports, and business contexts, but you’ll also find it in everyday Japanese, depending on the situation.
Here are some of the most common and useful expressions with 〜によって:
🔹 Basic Patterns and Expressions
Expression Meaning Example 〜によって depending on / due to / by means of 状況によって対応が変わる。
Joukyou ni yotte taiou ga kawaru.
→ The response changes depending on the situation.〜によっては in some cases / depending on 人によっては考え方が違う。
Hito ni yotte wa kangaekata ga chigau.
→ Some people think differently.〜による + noun caused by / due to / related to 台風による被害が大きい。
Taifuu ni yoru higai ga ookii.
→ The damage caused by the typhoon is severe.〜によって決まる decided by / determined by 成功は努力によって決まる。
Seikou wa doryoku ni yotte kimaru.
→ Success is determined by effort.〜によって異なる differ depending on 国によって文化が異なる。
Kuni ni yotte bunka ga kotonaru.
→ Cultures differ depending on the country.〜によっては〜こともある there are cases where… 日によっては開いていないこともある。
Hi ni yotte wa aiteinai koto mo aru.
→ There are days when it’s not open.
🔸 Real-Life Scenarios
Here are a few real-life contexts where these expressions show up:
- News headlines: 地震による被害 (Damage caused by the earthquake)
- Formal reports: 研究によって証明された (Proven through research)
- Daily conversation: 人によってはそれを好まない (Some people don’t like that)
Using these expressions will help you sound more natural and advanced in Japanese, especially when talking about cause and effect, change, or variation.
🧭 Usage: When to Use 〜によって in Japanese Sentences
The phrase 〜によって might look simple at first glance, but it plays many important roles in Japanese. It’s mainly used to express the agent, cause, means, method, basis, or dependence. Below are the main situations where you should use 〜によって, each explained with clear examples and meanings.
1. ✅ To Show the Agent of an Action (Usually in passive voice)
Used when someone does something, especially in passive sentences.
🟩 Example:
この本は有名な作家によって書かれました。
Kono hon wa yuumei na sakka ni yotte kakaremashita.
→ This book was written by a famous author.
2. ✅ To Indicate the Cause or Reason
Used to say something happened due to or because of something.
🟩 Example:
地震によって建物が壊れた。
Jishin ni yotte tatemono ga kowareta.
→ The building was destroyed due to the earthquake.
3. ✅ To Show the Means or Method
Used when something is done by using a method, tool, or system.
🟩 Example:
インターネットによって情報を得る。
Intānetto ni yotte jouhou o eru.
→ Get information through the internet.
4. ✅ To Express Dependence or Variation
Used to say something depends on something else or varies based on the situation.
🟩 Example:
人によって意見が違う。
Hito ni yotte iken ga chigau.
→ Opinions differ depending on the person.
5. ✅ To Introduce a Basis for Judgment or Evaluation
Used to express what something is judged or decided by.
🟩 Example:
成績によってクラスが決まる。
Seiseki ni yotte kurasu ga kimaru.
→ The class is decided based on grades.
6. ✅ To Emphasize Change Depending on Situation
Used with expressions like によっては to show that something may or may not happen depending on the case.
🟩 Example:
場合によっては中止することもあります。
Baai ni yotte wa chuushi suru koto mo arimasu.
→ We may cancel it depending on the case.
📝 Quick Recap — You can use 〜によって to:
- Show who did something (agent)
- Explain why something happened (cause)
- Describe how something was done (method)
- Show differences or variations
- Talk about rules and decisions based on something
- Express cases where outcomes may change
🔄 Conjugation of 〜によって with Verbs, Nouns, and Adjectives
The structure 〜によって is quite straightforward to use in terms of conjugation. Since によって attaches to nouns, your focus should be on how to turn verbs and adjectives into noun-like forms so that they can be used with this grammar.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how to use 〜によって with different parts of speech:
🟢 1. Verbs (All types)
Verbs need to be converted into their noun (plain) form, also known as the dictionary form, or the -masu stem, depending on the meaning.
a) Passive form + によって (To show the agent)
This is the most common pattern when you want to show who did an action.
🔹 Example (Group 1 Verb – 書く / kaku):
この詩は先生によって書かれました。
Kono shi wa sensei ni yotte kakaremashita.
→ This poem was written by the teacher.🔹 Example (Group 2 Verb – 食べる / taberu):
料理は母によって作られた。
Ryouri wa haha ni yotte tsukurareta.
→ The food was made by my mother.🔹 Example (Irregular Verb – する / suru):
計画は会社によって実行された。
Keikaku wa kaisha ni yotte jikkou sareta.
→ The plan was carried out by the company.
🔵 2. Nouns + によって
This is the default and easiest usage. Just add によって directly after a noun.
🔹 Example:
法律によって決まっています。
Houritsu ni yotte kimatte imasu.
→ It is decided by law.
🟣 3. い-Adjectives
い-adjectives are rarely used directly with によって. Instead, use a noun-based sentence or restructure to fit the expression.
🔹 Example (rephrased as noun):
その人の優しさ****によって助けられた。
Sono hito no yasashisa ni yotte tasukerareta.
→ I was saved because of that person’s kindness.
🟠 4. な-Adjectives
Just like い-adjectives, you should nominalize the adjective by adding 〜さ or use a related noun.
🔹 Example:
彼の真面目さ****によって信頼された。
Kare no majimesa ni yotte shinrai sareta.
→ He was trusted because of his seriousness.
✨ Bonus Tip: よって vs. によって
- によって is more standard and formal.
- よって is a more literary or written form, often used in official documents.
🔹 Example:
この規則は校長の命令によって変更された。
Kono kisoku wa kouchou no meirei ni yotte henkou sareta.
→ This rule was changed by the principal’s order.
📏 Grammar Rules for Using 〜によって in Japanese
Understanding the grammar rules behind 〜によって will help you use it with accuracy and confidence. While the phrase may seem simple, there are important nuances that determine when and how it’s used.
Here are the most important grammar rules to keep in mind:
✅ Rule 1: によって Must Attach to a Noun
The phrase によって always connects directly to a noun. If you’re using a verb or adjective, you need to nominalize it first (turn it into a noun form).
🔹 Example:
努力によって成功した。
Doryoku ni yotte seikou shita.
→ Succeeded through effort.
✅ Rule 2: Often Paired with Passive Sentences (〜られる form)
When expressing the agent (doer) of an action, 〜によって is used with passive voice.
🔹 Example:
この映画は有名な監督によって作られた。
Kono eiga wa yuumei na kantoku ni yotte tsukurareta.
→ This movie was made by a famous director.
✅ Rule 3: によって Has Multiple Meanings Based on Context
The exact meaning of 〜によって changes depending on the context:
- Cause or reason → “because of”
- Method or means → “by means of”
- Agent → “by (someone)”
- Basis → “based on”
- Variation or dependency → “depending on”
Always read the full sentence to decide how to translate and interpret it.
🔹 Example:
天気によって服を変える。
Tenki ni yotte fuku o kaeru.
→ I change clothes depending on the weather.
✅ Rule 4: によって is a Formal Expression
This structure is more common in formal, written, or academic settings. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers may use simpler expressions like:
- 〜で (by/with)
- 〜から (from)
- 〜に (to/for)
But for clear, formal writing or polite conversation, によって is preferred.
🔹 Casual: 電話で連絡する。
🔹 Formal: 電話によって連絡する。
✅ Rule 5: によっては (によって + は)
The phrase によっては introduces specific examples or exceptions and is often followed by 〜こともある, showing possible variations or special cases.
🔹 Example:
人によっては納豆が好きじゃない。
Hito ni yotte wa nattou ga suki janai.
→ Some people don’t like natto.
✅ Rule 6: による + Noun (Attributive Use)
When modifying a noun, change によって to による. It works like an adjective or descriptor.
🔹 Example:
地震による遅れ
Jishin ni yoru okure
→ Delay due to the earthquake
✨ Helpful Grammar Pattern Summary:
Pattern Meaning Example Noun + によって By / Due to / Depending on 雨によって試合が中止された。 Noun + によっては In some cases / Depending on 店によっては安く買える。 Noun + による + Noun (Attributive) 台風による停電があった。
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind When Using 〜によって
While 〜によって is a highly useful and flexible grammar structure in Japanese, it’s also easy to misunderstand or use incorrectly—especially for learners. Here are some common pitfalls, nuances, and exceptions you should remember to keep your Japanese natural and accurate.
🔍 1. Don’t Confuse によって with に or で
These particles can sometimes look similar in meaning, but they’re not always interchangeable.
Expression Meaning Example によって By means of / depending on / caused by インターネットによって調べた。
→ I researched through the internet.に Indicates direction or goal インターネットにつながる。
→ Connect to the internet.で Indicates the place or tool of action インターネットで調べた。
→ I searched on the internet.✅ Tip:
- Use によって when you’re talking about how or why something happens.
- Use で when you mean where or with what something is done.
- Use に when you talk about destination or targets.
🚫 2. によって is Rare in Casual Daily Conversation
While correct, using によって in everyday speech might sound overly formal or unnatural in casual talk.
✅ Use in:
- Essays
- Reports
- News
- Presentations
❌ Avoid in:
- Text messages
- Friendly chats
- Daily life talks (unless you’re going for a formal tone)
🤔 3. “による” Sounds Fancy—Use It with Nouns
When you use による + noun, you’re linking the cause or method as a descriptor.
🟩 Example:
事故による遅延
Jiko ni yoru chien
→ Delay caused by an accidentBe careful not to confuse this with a simple sentence using によって. The difference is:
- によって = acts as a phrase in the sentence.
- による = modifies a noun (like an adjective).
🔁 4. によっては Implies Variation or Exceptions
If you’re talking about things that differ or vary depending on the situation, use によっては.
🟩 Example:
天気によってはキャンセルになるかもしれない。
Tenki ni yotte wa kyanseru ni naru kamo shirenai.
→ Depending on the weather, it might be canceled.⚠️ Don’t use によって alone in these cases—you need the は to highlight the specific situation.
❗ 5. によって Can Have Multiple Meanings in the Same Sentence
This is rare but important. Sometimes, one sentence can suggest more than one meaning, so read carefully or provide enough context.
🟩 Example:
彼は努力によって先生によって選ばれた。
Kare wa doryoku ni yotte sensei ni yotte erabareta.
→ He was chosen because of his effort and by the teacher.
✍️ 6. Nominalization is Key with Verbs and Adjectives
To use によって correctly, verbs and adjectives must be turned into noun forms.
- 助ける → 助け(help)
- 優しい → 優しさ(kindness)
🟩 Example:
彼の優しさによって、私は救われた。
Kare no yasashisa ni yotte, watashi wa sukuwareta.
→ I was saved by his kindness.
🚫 Common Mistakes with 〜によって and How to Avoid Them
Many learners misuse 〜によって because of its formal tone and multiple meanings. Let’s clear up the confusion with real examples, and teach you how to stay on track.
❌ Mistake 1: Using によって in Casual Speech
Why it’s wrong:
〜によって is too formal for most casual conversations. Using it in everyday speech can sound robotic or unnatural.Wrong:
昨日、彼によって来たよ。
Kinou, kare ni yotte kita yo.
(Too stiff and unnatural)✅ Correct Casual Version:
昨日、彼が来たよ。
Kinou, kare ga kita yo.
→ He came yesterday.How to avoid it:
Use によって for writing, presentations, or formal settings. Use が, で, or から in speech.
❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting Passive Form in Agent Sentences
Why it’s wrong:
When you use 〜によって to show who did something, the verb must be in passive form.Wrong:
この本は先生によって書く。
Kono hon wa sensei ni yotte kaku.
(Grammatically incorrect)✅ Correct:
この本は先生によって書かれた。
Kono hon wa sensei ni yotte kakareta.
→ This book was written by the teacher.How to avoid it:
Check if your verb should be in the passive (〜られる) form when using によって to show “by someone.”
❌ Mistake 3: Mixing Up によって and で or に
Why it’s wrong:
While they might seem similar, these particles have different roles in a sentence.Wrong:
私は電車によって行った。
Watashi wa densha ni yotte itta.
(Awkward and unnatural)✅ Correct:
私は電車で行った。
Watashi wa densha de itta.
→ I went by train.How to avoid it:
Use で when you’re talking about transportation or tools in daily speech. Use によって in more formal writing.
❌ Mistake 4: Using によって Without Context
Why it’s wrong:
Sometimes learners add によって without clearly showing what it refers to, making the sentence confusing.Wrong:
結果が変わったによって。
Kekka ga kawatta ni yotte.
(Sentence structure is broken)✅ Correct:
天気によって結果が変わった。
Tenki ni yotte kekka ga kawatta.
→ The result changed depending on the weather.How to avoid it:
Always make sure that によって is connected to a clear noun that gives context.
❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting to Use よる When Modifying a Noun
Why it’s wrong:
When using によって directly before a noun, you should change it to による.Wrong:
地震によって被害
Jishin ni yotte higai
(Sounds like a sentence, not a phrase)✅ Correct:
地震による被害
Jishin ni yoru higai
→ Damage caused by the earthquakeHow to avoid it:
Use による + noun when you want to say “___-related” or “caused by ___”.
❌ Mistake 6: Using によっては Without ~こともある or Similar Ending
Why it’s wrong:
によっては is used to show variation or exceptions, but you need to follow it with a phrase that shows possibility.Wrong:
人によっては。
Hito ni yotte wa.
(Feels incomplete)✅ Correct:
人によっては考え方が違うこともある。
Hito ni yotte wa kangaekata ga chigau koto mo aru.
→ Depending on the person, ways of thinking can differ.How to avoid it:
When using によっては, follow up with something like:- ~こともある
- ~場合もある
- ~可能性がある
📚 Example Sentences Using 〜によって
- この建物は有名な建築家によって設計されました。
(Kono tatemono wa yuumei na kenchikuka ni yotte sekkei saremashita.)
→ This building was designed by a famous architect. - 努力によって夢を叶えることができる。
(Doryoku ni yotte yume o kanaeru koto ga dekiru.)
→ You can achieve your dreams through effort. - この薬は年齢によって効果が変わります。
(Kono kusuri wa nenrei ni yotte kouka ga kawarimasu.)
→ The effect of this medicine changes depending on age. - 先生によって授業の進め方が違う。
(Sensei ni yotte jugyou no susumekata ga chigau.)
→ The way classes are taught differs depending on the teacher. - 台風によって試合が中止された。
(Taifuu ni yotte shiai ga chuushi sareta.)
→ The match was canceled due to the typhoon. - 新しい技術によって生産性が上がった。
(Atarashii gijutsu ni yotte seisansei ga agatta.)
→ Productivity improved thanks to new technology. - この詩は学生によって書かれた。
(Kono shi wa gakusei ni yotte kakareta.)
→ This poem was written by a student. - 文化によって考え方は大きく異なる。
(Bunka ni yotte kangaekata wa ookiku kotonaru.)
→ Ways of thinking vary greatly depending on culture. - 人によって好みが違います。
(Hito ni yotte konomi ga chigaimasu.)
→ Preferences differ from person to person. - この仕事はAIによって代替される可能性がある。
(Kono shigoto wa AI ni yotte daitai sareru kanousei ga aru.)
→ This job may be replaced by AI. - 結果は練習によって変わる。
(Kekka wa renshuu ni yotte kawaru.)
→ Results change based on practice. - 都市によって生活費が異なる。
(Toshi ni yotte seikatsuhi ga kotonaru.)
→ Living costs vary depending on the city. - 事故によって電車が遅れた。
(Jiko ni yotte densha ga okureta.)
→ The train was delayed due to the accident. - 使用方法によって効果が変わります。
(Shiyou houhou ni yotte kouka ga kawarimasu.)
→ The effect changes based on how it’s used. - 彼はその発言によって問題を起こした。
(Kare wa sono hatsugen ni yotte mondai o okoshita.)
→ He caused trouble because of that statement. - 対応はケースによって異なります。
(Taiou wa keesu ni yotte kotonarimasu.)
→ The response differs depending on the case. - 天気によっては出かけないこともある。
(Tenki ni yotte wa dekakenai koto mo aru.)
→ I sometimes don’t go out depending on the weather. - 表現によって意味が変わることがある。
(Hyougen ni yotte imi ga kawaru koto ga aru.)
→ The meaning can change based on the expression. - 地域によって方言が違う。
(Chiiki ni yotte hougen ga chigau.)
→ Dialects differ by region. - 手段によって結果が大きく変わる。
(Shudan ni yotte kekka ga ookiku kawaru.)
→ The result can change greatly depending on the method.
🔁 Translation Exercise: Mastering 〜によって
A translation exercise is a great way to boost both comprehension and active use of the grammar point 〜によって.
✍️ Part 1: Translate the following English sentences into Japanese (using 〜によって)
- This painting was created by a child.
- The meeting was canceled due to the typhoon.
- The result changed depending on the method.
- These rules may vary depending on the country.
- Many jobs may be replaced by robots.
- The city was destroyed by a large earthquake.
- His opinion changed due to personal experience.
- The taste of the dish changes based on the ingredients.
- The book was written by a famous professor.
- The mood of the room shifted because of her words.
✍️ Part 2: Translate the following Japanese sentences into English
- この絵は学生によって描かれました。
(Kono e wa gakusei ni yotte kakaremashita.) - 天候によってイベントが中止されました。
(Tenkou ni yotte ibento ga chuushi saremashita.) - 地域によって言葉が異なります。
(Chiiki ni yotte kotoba ga kotonarimasu.) - 事故によって道路が混んでいます。
(Jiko ni yotte douro ga kondeimasu.) - その物語は実話によって書かれました。
(Sono monogatari wa jitsuwa ni yotte kakaremashita.) - 人によって考え方が違います。
(Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigaimasu.) - この映画は実際の事件によって作られました。
(Kono eiga wa jissai no jiken ni yotte tsukuraremashita.) - 練習によって技術が上達します。
(Renshuu ni yotte gijutsu ga joutatsu shimasu.) - 時間によって混雑の程度が変わります。
(Jikan ni yotte konzatsu no teido ga kawarimasu.) - このレポートは調査結果によってまとめられました。
(Kono repooto wa chousa kekka ni yotte matomeraremashita.)
✅ Answer Key: Translation Exercise for 〜によって
Here’s the full Answer Key to the translation exercise, with clear and accurate translations for all 20 questions — including romaji and natural English expressions.
🗣️ Part 1: English ➡️ Japanese
- This painting was created by a child.
この絵は子供によって作られました。
(Kono e wa kodomo ni yotte tsukuraremashita.) - The meeting was canceled due to the typhoon.
台風によって会議は中止されました。
(Taifuu ni yotte kaigi wa chuushi saremashita.) - The result changed depending on the method.
方法によって結果が変わりました。
(Houhou ni yotte kekka ga kawarimashita.) - These rules may vary depending on the country.
これらのルールは国によって異なる場合があります。
(Korera no ruuru wa kuni ni yotte kotonaru baai ga arimasu.) - Many jobs may be replaced by robots.
多くの仕事はロボットによって代替されるかもしれません。
(Ooku no shigoto wa robotto ni yotte daitai sareru kamoshiremasen.) - The city was destroyed by a large earthquake.
その都市は大きな地震によって壊滅しました。
(Sono toshi wa ookina jishin ni yotte kaimetsu shimashita.) - His opinion changed due to personal experience.
個人的な経験によって彼の意見が変わりました。
(Kojinteki na keiken ni yotte kare noiken ga kawarimashita.) - The taste of the dish changes based on the ingredients.
料理の味は材料によって変わります。
(Ryouri no aji wa zairyou ni yotte kawarimasu.) - The book was written by a famous professor.
その本は有名な教授によって書かれました。
(Sono hon wa yuumei na kyouju ni yotte kakaremashita.) - The mood of the room shifted because of her words.
彼女の言葉によって部屋の雰囲気が変わりました。
(Kanojo no kotoba ni yotte heya no fun’iki ga kawarimashita.)
🗣️ Part 2: Japanese ➡️ English
- この絵は学生によって描かれました。
(Kono e wa gakusei ni yotte kakaremashita.)
→ This painting was drawn by a student. - 天候によってイベントが中止されました。
(Tenkou ni yotte ibento ga chuushi saremashita.)
→ The event was canceled due to the weather. - 地域によって言葉が異なります。
(Chiiki ni yotte kotoba ga kotonarimasu.)
→ Language differs depending on the region. - 事故によって道路が混んでいます。
(Jiko ni yotte douro ga kondeimasu.)
→ The road is crowded due to an accident. - その物語は実話によって書かれました。
(Sono monogatari wa jitsuwa ni yotte kakaremashita.)
→ The story was written based on a true story. - 人によって考え方が違います。
(Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigaimasu.)
→ Ways of thinking differ from person to person. - この映画は実際の事件によって作られました。
(Kono eiga wa jissai no jiken ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
→ This movie was made based on a real incident. - 練習によって技術が上達します。
(Renshuu ni yotte gijutsu ga joutatsu shimasu.)
→ Skills improve through practice. - 時間によって混雑の程度が変わります。
(Jikan ni yotte konzatsu no teido ga kawarimasu.)
→ The level of crowding changes depending on the time. - このレポートは調査結果によってまとめられました。
(Kono repooto wa chousa kekka ni yotte matomeraremashita.)
→ This report was compiled based on the research results.
✅ Summary: Key Takeaways about 〜によって
- 〜によって is used to express:
- Agent of an action (usually in passive sentences): “by someone”
- Cause or reason: “due to / because of”
- Means or method: “through / by means of”
- Dependence or variation: “depending on / according to”
- Follows nouns (no conjugation needed).
- Can be used with:
- People or organizations (for passive agents)
- Events, tools, methods (for cause/method)
- Abstract factors (like opinions, personalities, time, weather, etc.)
- Common patterns:
- ~によって+passive verb
- ~によっては (in some cases)
- ~は~によって違う / 変わる (differs/changes depending on)
- Tricky points:
- Often interchangeable with で or から, but more formal and specific
- Not used with personal actions in casual speech
- Often seen in written or formal contexts
- Avoid these mistakes:
- Using によって with active voice when passive is needed
- Using it to describe one’s own actions directly
- Overusing it when simpler alternatives (like で) are more natural
🏁 Conclusion: Master 〜によって and Boost Your Japanese Fluency!
Understanding how to use 〜によって can seriously level up your Japanese skills — especially when reading news, listening to formal speech, or expressing cause and effect in writing. This grammar point connects ideas clearly and adds depth to your communication. Whether you’re talking about changes, reasons, or passive actions, mastering 〜によって will help you speak with clarity and confidence.
Keep reviewing, practicing translations, and building your own example sentences. And remember — language learning is a journey, not a race. You’re doing great!
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Happy learning! 😊