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に基づいて
N2 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today
ni motozuite
based on; on the basis of
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に基づいて
ni motozuite
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based on; on the basis of
N2
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading ni motozuite
Post ID 51091
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📝 Usage Notes

based on; on the basis of

📖 How to use it

Indicates that something is done according to or based on a certain standard, rule, fact, or precedent.

Attaches to Attach to a noun: noun + に基づいて (or に基づき in formal writing). The noun is the basis or source.

This pattern expresses that an action, judgment, or decision is made based on a specific foundation. The noun before it is the ground or principle that guides what follows. It is commonly used in formal, written contexts such as reports, news, and official announcements. In speech, it sounds stiff, so it is best used in professional or academic settings.

More formal variants are に基づき (used in written notices and speeches) and に基づく (which modifies a following noun, as in に基づく結論 'a conclusion based on...'). The pattern implies that the basis is an objective reference, not a personal feeling.

この小説は実際の事件に基づいて書かれました。
Kono shousetsu wa jissai no jiken ni motozuite kakaremashita.
This novel was written based on a real incident.
新しい規則は法律に基づいて作られました。
Atarashii kisoku wa houritsu ni motozuite tsukuraremashita.
The new rules were created based on the law.
このデータに基づいて、来年度の計画を立てましょう。
Kono deeta ni motozuite, rainendo no keikaku o tatemashou.
Let's make next year's plan based on this data.
Not によって (ni yotte) によって can mean 'by means of' or 'depending on', and also indicates an agent in passive sentences. に基づいて specifically points to a standard or basis, not a tool or method. For example, アンケートに基づいて means 'based on the survey results', while アンケートによって means 'through/by using a survey'.
Register Formal and mostly used in written language, such as reports, academic texts, and official documents. In casual conversation, alternatives like を参考にして or をもとに are more natural.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
に基づいて
📚 How to Master This Pattern
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Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat に基づいて three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
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Flip Before Reading
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Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using に基づいて. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
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Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern に基づいて mean? ▼
Based on; on the basis of
What JLPT level is に基づいて? ▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use に基づいて in a sentence? ▼
Attach に基づいて (ni motozuite) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is に基づいて formal or casual Japanese? ▼
に基づいて is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember に基づいて long-term? ▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.