Japanese grammar

What does ～にもとづいて mean? Japanese grammar N2

～にもとづいて means based on…; grounded on… (as a foundation).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N2
Structure	N + に基づいて N + に基づいた/に基づく + N
Romaji	nimotozuite
Meaning	based on…; grounded on… (as a foundation)

Forming it

Noun	事実 + に基づいて
Noun (modifier)	データ + に基づいた + 判断

How to use it

States that A is the BASIS/foundation for doing B; A is fixed (law, data, fact, experience). Formal.

「～に基づいて」 = "based on/grounded in A". A is a FIXED foundation: fact, law, rule, data, experience.
As a modifier, use 「に基づいた／に基づく + N」.
Different from 「に応じて」 (adjusting to vary with A): 「に基づいて」 takes A as a fixed BASIS.

Examples

この物語(ものがたり)は事実(じじつ)に基(もと)づいて書(か)かれた。
This story was written based on facts.
データに基(もと)づいた判断(はんだん)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
A judgment based on data is necessary.

Keep in mind

Attaches to a noun.
A does not vary — it's a foundation/standard.

Common mistakes

Wrongこれは事実(じじつ)に基(もと)づいての物語(ものがたり)だ。

This is a story based on facts.

Correctこれは事実(じじつ)に基(もと)づいた物語(ものがたり)だ。

As a modifier, use 「に基づいた／に基づく + N」, not 「に基づいての」.
Wrong状況(じょうきょう)に基(もと)づいて、対応(たいおう)を変(か)える。

Change the response depending on the situation.

Correct状況(じょうきょう)に応(おう)じて、対応(たいおう)を変(か)える。

When B CHANGES as A varies, use 「に応じて」; 「に基づいて」 takes A as a fixed basis.

Exam tips

「に基づいて」 = based on a fixed basis; as a modifier, 「に基づいた＋N」; different from 「に応じて」 (varying).

Related patterns

All N2 grammar →