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

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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.

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.

Fun Fact

Although 元(もと)に is perhaps the most common, either 基(もと)に or 下(もと)に may also be used in various circumstances. You can read about the slight variances in nuances online, but for the most part, they are as follows.

基(もと)に - With the root of (A), with a direct link or connection to (A).

元(もと)に - With the beginning or origin of (A).

下(もと)に - At the base of (A).

Examples

--:--

    これはクックパッドを元(もと)に作(つく)ったうどんです。

    This is udon made according to Cookpad.

    このインタビューを元(もと)に記事(きじ)を書(か)いてください。

    Please write an article based on this interview.

    息子(むすこ)の足跡(あしあと)を元(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)を元(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.

    そんな主観(しゅかん)を元(もと)に恨(うら)まれても困(こま)るよ。

    If you feel bitter about it based on that personal opinion, I will not be thrilled.

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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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