Processing keyword: ～によって (〜ni yotte)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～によって (〜ni yotte)

～によって (〜ni yotte)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～によって (〜ni yotte) is a versatile expression in Japanese that conveys various meanings such as "by," "through," "because of," or "depending on." It is commonly used to indicate the means, method, cause, or to show that something varies according to different conditions. Understanding ～によって is essential for expressing nuances in both spoken and written Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

～によって can be used in several contexts:

1. Means or Method: Indicating the means or method by which something is done.
   • "by," "through," "via"
2. Cause or Reason: Indicating the cause or reason for something.
   • "because of," "due to"
3. Agent in Passive Sentences: Indicating the doer in passive constructions.
   • "by"
4. Variation Depending on Conditions: Indicating that something changes depending on conditions.
   • "depending on," "according to"

Structure and Formation

Formation Diagram

Detailed Explanation

1. Indicating Means or Method When expressing the means or method by which an action is carried out.
   • Example Structure:
     Noun + によって
   • English Equivalent:
     "by," "through," "via"
2. Expressing Cause or Reason When indicating the cause or reason behind an event or situation.
   • Example Structure:
     Noun + によって
   • English Equivalent:
     "because of," "due to"
3. Agent in Passive Sentences Used to indicate the doer of an action in passive voice sentences.
   • Example Structure:
     Noun + によって + Passive Verb
   • English Equivalent:
     "by"
4. Showing Variation Depending on Conditions When expressing that something varies depending on certain conditions or situations.
   • Example Structure:
     Noun + によって + Different Outcome
   • English Equivalent:
     "depending on," "according to"

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～によって with Other Similar Expressions

• While ～で also indicates means or method, it's often used with tools or vehicles.
• ～にとって expresses personal perspective, whereas ～によって can be more general.
• ～によると is used specifically when citing sources of information.

4. Examples in Context

1. Indicating Means or Method

• Example:
  新しい技術によって、問題が解決された。
  Atarashii gijutsu ni yotte, mondai ga kaiketsu sareta.
  The problem was solved by new technology.
• Example:
  インターネットによって情報を得る。
  Intānetto ni yotte jōhō o eru.
  Obtain information through the internet.

2. Expressing Cause or Reason

• Example:
  台風によってイベントが中止された。
  Taifū ni yotte ibento ga chūshi sareta.
  The event was canceled due to the typhoon.
• Example:
  不注意によって事故が起こった。
  Fuchūi ni yotte jiko ga okotta.
  An accident happened because of carelessness.

3. Agent in Passive Sentences

• Example:
  この絵は有名な画家によって描かれました。
  Kono e wa yūmei na gaka ni yotte egakaremashita.
  This painting was drawn by a famous artist.
• Example:
  その教会は16世紀によって建てられた。
  Sono kyōkai wa 16 seiki ni yotte tate rareta.
  That church was built in the 16th century.

4. Variation Depending on Conditions

• Example:
  人によって考え方が違う。
  Hito ni yotte kangaekata ga chigau.
  Ways of thinking differ depending on the person.
• Example:
  国によって習慣が異なる。
  Kuni ni yotte shūkan ga kotonaru.
  Customs vary from country to country.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality Levels:
  ～によって is used in both formal and written contexts, making it suitable for business, academic, and official communications.
• Passive Constructions:
  In Japanese culture, passive forms can be used to express actions politely or indirectly, which aligns with the cultural tendency to avoid directness.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 場合によっては
  Baai ni yotte wa
  Depending on the situation
  • Example:
    場合によっては、計画を変更する必要がある。
    Baai ni yotte wa, keikaku o henkō suru hitsuyō ga aru.
    We might need to change the plan depending on the situation.
• 時と場合によって
  Toki to baai ni yotte
  Depending on the time and circumstances

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using に instead of によって
   • Incorrect:
     人に性格が違う。
     Hito ni seikaku ga chigau.
   • Correct:
     人によって性格が違う。
     Hito ni yotte seikaku ga chigau.
     (Personality differs depending on the person.)
2. Confusing with で when indicating means
   • Incorrect:
     インターネットで情報を得る。
     Intānetto de jōhō o eru. While grammatically correct, using によって emphasizes the method more formally.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  Associate によって with "by the means of" to remember its function in indicating methods and causes.
• Practice Passive Sentences:
  Since によって is often used in passive constructions, practice forming passive sentences to become familiar with its usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～によって is a multifaceted grammar point used to express means, cause, agent in passive sentences, and variations depending on conditions.
• It is commonly used in formal contexts and is essential for expressing detailed and nuanced ideas.
• Understanding the different usages helps in both comprehension and expression in advanced Japanese communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "depending on the weather" using ～によって? Answer:
   天気によって
   Tenki ni yotte
2. Which grammar point is used to indicate the doer in passive sentences? Answer:
   ～によって
   〜ni yotte
3. Translate the following sentence:
   文化は国によって異なります。 Answer:
   Cultures differ depending on the country.

By mastering ～によって, you enhance your ability to articulate complex ideas and navigate formal Japanese communication more effectively.