Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 5: 13/18

を元(もと)に

Based on, From, According to

Structure

Noun + をもとに（して）
Noun + をもとにした + Noun

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About をもとに

When linked to a noun, を元(もと)に is an expression that indicates that something is 'based on (A)', 'from (A)', or 'according to (A)'. This is a combination of を, the noun 元(もと) 'origin', and に. The literal meaning is similar to 'with (A) as the origin, (B)', and is used primarily to reference a source from which something is created or started.
  • このドラマは実際(じっさい)に起(お)こったことをもとに作(つく)られたそうだ。
    Apparently, this TV show was created based on actual events.
  • 研究(けんきゅう)の結果(けっか)をもとにレポートを書(か)いてください。
    Please write a report based on the results of the research.
  • 私(わたし)はこのデータをもとにこのグラフを作成(さくせい)しました。
    I created this graph based on this data.
Most of the time, をもとに will be written without kanji, but it is also possible to see it as を元(もと)に.
As this grammar pattern is mainly used to highlight an origin of creation, it will often be seen in sentences that use verbs like 書(か)く 'to write', できる 'to be able', and 作(つく)る 'to make'.
Caution - を元(もと)に 'based on' differs to に基(もと)づいて 'based on', in that に基(もと)づいて indicates a foundation from which the judgement or conclusion of (B) is made, while を元(もと)に focuses more on being a source of inspiration for (B), or enabling (B).
  • 彼(かれ)は法律(ほうりつ)に基(もと)づいて処分(しょぶん)されるだろう。
    He will be receiving punishment according to the law.
  • 彼(かれ)は法律(ほうりつ)をもとに処分(しょぶん)されるだろう。
    He will be punished based on the law.

Examples

  • この恋愛(れんあい)漫画(まんが)は実際(じっさい)に起(お)こったことをもとに作(つく)られているらしい。

    I heard that this romance manga is based on actual events.

  • 税金(ぜいきん)の総額(そうがく)は年度(ねんど)の収入(しゅうにゅう)をもとにして計算(けいさん)される。

    The amount of tax is calculated based on revenue in a fiscal year.

  • 本当(ほんとう)の魚(さかな)の姿(すがた)をもとにしたロボットは普通(ふつう)の魚(さかな)とともに暮(く)らし、海洋(かいよう)生物(せいぶつ)についてのデータを収集(しゅうしゅう)しています。

    Robots based on the shape of an actual fish are living with ordinary fish and are collecting data about marine life.

  • 息子(むすこ)の足跡(あしあと)をもとに後(あと)を追(お)った。

    I pursued my son based on his footprints.

  • 電話(でんわ)帳(ちょう)をもとに宛名(あてな)を書(か)いてください。

    Please write the name and address according to the telephone book.

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をもとに – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

  • Zenguro

    Zenguro

    When is it more natural to use をもとに instead of おもとにして?

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