Processing keyword: ～によれば (〜ni yoreba)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～によれば (〜ni yoreba)

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1. Introduction

The expression ～によれば (〜ni yoreba) is used in Japanese to indicate the source of information. It translates to "according to ~" in English. This grammar point is essential when you want to report information you've heard, read, or received from a specific source.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～によれば means "according to ~" or "based on ~".

Structure

• Noun (Information Source) + によれば + Reported Information

Formation Diagram

[Information Source (Noun)] + によれば + [Reported Information]

Detailed Explanation

• に (ni): A particle used to indicate direction or location; in this case, it links the source to the verb.
• よれば (yoreba): The conditional form of よる (yoru), meaning "to be based on" or "to depend on".
• Combined, ～によれば functions to show that the following statement is based on information from the given source.

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3. Comparative Analysis

～によれば vs. ～によると

Both ～によれば and ～によると mean "according to ~" and are used to cite information sources. However, there are subtle differences:

• ～によれば:
  • Slightly more formal.
  • Often used in written language or formal speech.
• ～によると:
  • Common in everyday conversation.
  • Slightly less formal than ～によれば. Example:
• 新聞によれば、明日は雨が降るそうです。
  • Shinbun ni yoreba, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.
  • According to the newspaper, it will rain tomorrow.
• 天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
  • Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa ame ga furu sou desu.
  • According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. ニュースによれば、新しい法律が施行されたそうです。
   • Nyūsu ni yoreba, atarashii hōritsu ga shikō sareta sou desu.
   • According to the news, a new law has been enacted.
2. 専門家によれば、この病気は予防できるそうです。
   • Senmonka ni yoreba, kono byōki wa yobō dekiru sou desu.
   • According to experts, this disease is preventable.
3. 彼の話によれば、プロジェクトは順調に進んでいるとのことです。
   • Kare no hanashi ni yoreba, purojekuto wa junchō ni susunde iru to no koto desu.
   • According to him, the project is progressing smoothly.
4. 噂によれば、あの店は来月閉店するらしいです。
   • Uwasa ni yoreba, ano mise wa raigetsu heiten suru rashii desu.
   • According to rumors, that store is closing next month.
5. インターネットによれば、その映画はとても面白いそうです。
   • Intānetto ni yoreba, sono eiga wa totemo omoshiroi sou desu.
   • According to the internet, that movie is very interesting.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Usage in Media: In Japanese news reports and formal announcements, ～によれば is frequently used to cite sources.
• Politeness Levels: Using ～によれば adds a level of formality and credibility to the information, which aligns with the Japanese value of respecting accurate information and sources.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 聞くところによれば
  • Kiku tokoro ni yoreba
  • Meaning: "From what I've heard" or "According to what I've heard."
  • Usage: Used to introduce information that you've heard indirectly.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Particle
   • Incorrect: 新聞でよれば、...
   • Correct: 新聞によれば、...
   • Tip: Always use the particle に before よれば to indicate the source.
2. Confusing Conditional Forms
   • Mixing up ～によれば with ～によっては (which means "depending on").
   • Tip: Remember that ～によれば is specifically for citing sources, whereas ～によっては expresses variability depending on conditions.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "によれば" as "ni (to) yoreba (if we rely on)," helping you remember it introduces information from a source.
• Practice Creating Sentences: Write your own sentences citing different sources (e.g., friends, articles, experts) to become comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～によれば is used to indicate the source of information, meaning "according to ~".
• It is formed by adding によれば to a noun that represents the information source.
• It is slightly more formal than ～によると and is common in written language.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate: "According to the teacher, the test has been postponed."
2. Which particle is used before よれば?
3. Is ～によれば more formal or less formal than ～によると?

Answers

1. 先生によれば、テストは延期されたそうです。
   • Sensei ni yoreba, tesuto wa enki sareta sou desu.
2. The particle に is used before よれば.
3. ～によれば is more formal than ～によると.

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Feel free to practice using ～によれば by creating sentences about recent news or information you've heard!

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