Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 1: 14/22

によるBy means of, According to, Depending on, Because of, Due to

Structure

Noun + によって
Noun + により

Details

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About によって・による

によって, による, and により are all different versions of the same expression, that can basically be translated as 'according to (A)', or 'depending on (A)'. This uses the same よる as seen in the grammar pattern によると. They will be used in the following way:

によって - Generally used before a comma (although not always). Acts as the separation point between the (A) and (B) parts of a sentence. Made up of the case marking particle に, and the う - Verb よる in its て form.

による - Generally used at the end of a sentence, to highlight that the previous statement depends on (A).

により - Almost always used before a comma. Acts as the separation point between the (A) and (B) parts of a sentence. Made up of the case marking particle に, and the う - Verb よる in its conjunctive form.

To use any of these constructions, attach them to the end of a noun that you want to express as being the 'dependent' thing.

Caution

による may also sometimes be followed by a noun. In these cases, it will become a verb modified noun, and highlight that (B) resulted from (A).

  • このミスはヒューマンエラーによるものです。
    This mistake is caused by human error.
  • この地震(じしん)による津波(つなみ)の心配(しんぱい)はありません。
    There is no need to worry about a tsunami brought about from this earthquake.

Fun Fact

Although よる is almost always written in hiragana, there are several different kanji that use this reading. They all share similar meanings. Learn more about this in the によると grammar point.

Examples

--:--

    その車(くるま)の値段(ねだん)によって、決(き)めます。

    I will choose depending on the price of that car.

    国(くに)によって、いろいろな伝統(でんとう)があります。

    There are a variety of traditions depending on the country.

    調査(ちょうさ)によって新(あら)たな事実(じじつ)が明(あき)らかになった。

    Through research, a new truth was discovered. (by means of)

    納豆(なっとう)が好(す)きかどうかは人(ひと)による。

    It depends on the person whether they like natto or not.

    話(はな)し合(あ)いによって決(き)まったのだから、文句(もんく)言(い)わないで。

    Our decision was made through discussion, so don't complain.

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によって・による – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (12 in total)

  • Melanthe

    Melanthe

    I believe Shin Kanzen Master presents this grammar point as three distinct usages:

  • Rage0441

    Rage0441

    in 中級へ行こう I

  • Daru

    Daru

    Rather than an exclusion or new use, it’s really just a use of the grammar point.

    “It was made by the means of” becomes the basic meaning!

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