Processing keyword: ～により (〜ni yori)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～により (〜ni yori)

～により (〜ni yori)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～により (〜ni yori) is a formal expression used in Japanese to indicate:

• Means or Method: "by," "through," "via."
• Cause or Reason: "due to," "because of."
• Basis or Standard: "according to," "depending on." It is commonly found in formal contexts such as news reports, official documents, academic writings, and formal speeches.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～により is used to:

1. Indicate Means or Method
   Expressing the means or method by which an action is performed.
2. Express Cause or Reason
   Indicating the cause or reason for an event or situation.
3. Show Basis or Standard
   Demonstrating that something varies depending on certain conditions or standards.

Structure

The basic structure is:

Noun + により / による

• により is used after a noun to express means, cause, or basis.
• による is the attributive form used to modify a following noun. Formation Diagram:

  Component	Usage
  Noun	The means, cause, or basis of the action/event
  により	Connective particle indicating "by," "due to," etc.
  による + Noun	Attributive form modifying a noun (e.g., "the impact caused by")

3. Comparative Analysis

～によって vs. ～により

• Formality:
  • により is more formal.
  • によって is less formal and more common in spoken Japanese.
• Interchangeability:
  • In many cases, they can be used interchangeably, but により is preferred in formal writing. Example:
• により (Formal):
  このプログラムは政府により実施された。
  This program was implemented by the government.
• によって (Less Formal):
  このプログラムは政府によって実施された。
  This program was implemented by the government.

4. Examples in Context

Means or Method

1. 最新技術により**、問題が解決された。
   The problem was solved through the latest technology.
2. インターネットにより**、世界中の情報が入手できる。
   You can access information from around the world via the internet.

Cause or Reason

1. 台風により**、イベントは中止された。
   Due to the typhoon, the event was canceled.
2. システムエラーにより**、データが消失した。
   Data was lost due to a system error.

Basis or Standard

1. 経験により**、給料が異なる。
   Salaries vary depending on experience.
2. 結果により**、対応が変わる。
   The response will change according to the results.

Attributive Form (～による)

1. 地震による**被害は大きかった。
   The damage caused by the earthquake was significant.
2. 法律の改正による**影響を調査する。
   We will investigate the impact due to the law amendment.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality in Communication:
  Japanese language places importance on the formality level depending on the context and relationship between speakers. Using により in appropriate contexts reflects an understanding of social norms and respect.
• Indirect Expression:
  Japanese often uses indirect expressions in formal situations to convey politeness. により serves this purpose by providing a formal tone.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 場合によっては (baai ni yotte wa)
  Depending on the case/situation...
• 人による (hito ni yoru)
  It depends on the person. These expressions, while using によって and による, convey the idea of dependence on certain conditions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using により in Informal Contexts
   • Incorrect:
     友達により手伝ってもらった。
     *(Too formal for casual conversation.)
     I got help from a friend.
   • Correct:
     友達に手伝ってもらった。
     I got help from a friend.
2. Confusing により and によって
   • While similar, remember that により is more formal. Use によって in less formal contexts.

Learning Strategies

• Context Awareness:
  Pay attention to the formality of the situation. Use により in formal writing or speeches.
• Practice with Formal Texts:
  Read news articles or official statements to see examples of により in use.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• により is a formal expression meaning "by," "due to," "through," or "depending on."
• Used to express means, cause, or basis in formal contexts.
• The attributive form による modifies nouns.
• Differentiate between により (formal) and によって (less formal).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: 大雨______、試合が延期された。
   (Due to heavy rain, the game was postponed.) Answer: により
2. True or False: により is commonly used in casual conversation. Answer: False
3. Choose the appropriate form: 新法案______影響について議論する。
   (We will discuss the impact of the new bill.) a) により
   b) による
   c) によって Answer: b) による

By understanding the usage of ～により, you can enhance your comprehension and expression in formal Japanese settings.