Japanese grammar

What does ～にかんがみて mean? Japanese grammar N1

～にかんがみて means in view of…; taking into account (precedent/situation).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N1
Structure	N + に鑑みて N + に鑑み
Romaji	nikangamite
Meaning	in view of…; taking into account (precedent/situation)

Forming it

Noun	現状 + に鑑みて
Noun (precedent)	前例 + に鑑みて

How to use it

CONSIDERING A (the social situation, precedent, experience) to decide B. Very formal, written.

「～に鑑みて」 = “considering/weighing A (現状・情勢・前例) to decide B”. A is usually an important objective situation.
The written form is 「に鑑み」.
Different from 「に照らして」 (checking against a standard to judge right/wrong): 「に鑑みて」 = WEIGHING the situation/lesson to make a decision.

Examples

現状(げんじょう)に鑑(かんが)みて、計画(けいかく)を延期(えんき)する。
In view of the current situation, we will postpone the plan.
社会(しゃかい)情勢(じょうせい)に鑑(かんが)み、対応(たいおう)を見直(みなお)す。
In view of the social climate, we will review our response.

Keep in mind

Attaches to a noun (situation/precedent/experience), not used for minor personal feelings.
Very formal, used in official documents.

Common mistakes

Wrong自分(じぶん)の気持(きも)ちに鑑(かんが)みて、決(き)めた。

Considering the circumstances, I decided.

Correct状況(じょうきょう)に鑑(かんが)みて、決(き)めた。

「に鑑みて」 weighs an objective SITUATION/precedent, not used for a small personal feeling.
Wrong法律(ほうりつ)に鑑(かんが)みて、違法(いほう)だ。

Checked against the law, that is illegal.

Correct法律(ほうりつ)に照(て)らして、違法(いほう)だ。

Checking against a LAW to judge right/wrong uses 「に照らして」; 「に鑑みて」 = weighing the situation to decide.

Exam tips

「に鑑みて」 = considering the situation/precedent (very formal); different from 「に照らして」 (checking against a standard).

Related patterns

All N1 grammar →