Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Noun を もとに (Noun o moto ni)

Noun を もとに (Noun o moto ni)

Short explanation:

Based on; drawing from; using as a reference.

Formation:

Noun + をもとに

Examples:

この映画は実話をもとに作られました。
Kono eiga wa jitsuwa o moto ni tsukuraremashita.
This movie was made based on a true story.
彼の経験をもとにアドバイスが必要だ。
Kare no keiken o moto ni adobaisu ga hitsuyou da.
Advice is needed based on his experience.
データをもとに分析を行いました。
Deeta o moto ni bunseki o okonaimashita.
I performed an analysis based on the data.
世界中の美術館をもとにコレクションを作りました。
Sekaijuu no bijutsukan o moto ni korekushon o tsukurimashita.
I created a collection based on art galleries all over the world.

Long explanation:

The grammar point Nounをもとに is used to convey that something is based on, drawn from, or using the noun as a reference. It is commonly used when one thing is being used as a foundation, source of information or inspiration for something else.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Noun を もとに (Noun o moto ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を もとに (Noun o moto ni)

Noun をもとに (Noun o moto ni)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 「Noun をもとに」 is used to express the idea of "based on" or "derived from" something. It indicates that something is created or done by taking the noun as the foundation or basis.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • 「Noun をもとに」: Based on [Noun]; Using [Noun] as a basis

Structure

The structure involves a noun followed by をもとに, and it can be used in several forms:

  1. Noun をもとに
    (Based on [Noun])
  2. Noun をもとにして
    (Based on [Noun]; and then...)
  3. Noun をもとにした Noun
    ([Noun] that is based on [Noun])

Formation Diagram

[Noun] をもとに (して) [Verb/Clause]
[Noun] をもとにした [Noun]
  • Noun: The basis or source
  • をもとに: Particle phrase meaning "based on"
  • して: Te-form of "する" (optional, used to connect clauses)
  • した: Past tense of "する", used to modify nouns

Detailed Explanation

  • 「をもとに」 attaches to a noun to indicate that something is created, decided, or done by taking that noun as the basis.
  • It is often used in contexts involving creation, such as writing, making, planning, or designing.
  • The noun before をもとに is the source material, inspiration, or foundation for the action or object that follows.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. 〜に基づいて (〜に もとづいて)

  • Similarity: Both mean "based on".
  • Difference:
    • 〜に基づいて is often used with rules, data, or established facts.
    • 〜をもとに is used with more abstract concepts, ideas, or experiences.
      Grammar Point Usage Example
      〜をもとに Based on (abstract concepts, ideas) 彼の経験をもとに本を書いた。
      He wrote a book based on his experiences.
      〜に基づいて Based on (rules, data, facts) 会社の規則に基づいて行動する。
      Act according to company rules.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1: Formal - Written

  • この映画は実話をもとに制作されました。
    • Kono eiga wa jitsuwa o moto ni seisaku saremashita.
    • This movie was produced based on a true story.

Example 2: Informal - Spoken

  • 漫画をもとにしたゲームが発売されるよ。
    • Manga o moto ni shita gēmu ga hatsubai sareru yo.
    • A game based on a manga is going to be released!

Example 3: Business Context

  • 顧客のフィードバックをもとに、製品を改良しました。
    • Kokyaku no fīdobakku o moto ni, seihin o kairyō shimashita.
    • We improved the product based on customer feedback.

Example 4: Academic Context

  • 研究結果をもとに、新しい理論が提唱された。
    • Kenkyū kekka o moto ni, atarashii riron ga teishō sareta.
    • A new theory was proposed based on the research results.

Example 5: Cultural Context

  • 伝統をもとにした祭りが毎年開催されます。
    • Dentō o moto ni shita matsuri ga maitoshi kaisai saremasu.
    • A festival based on tradition is held every year.

Additional Examples

Example 6: Creative Endeavor

  • 彼女の人生をもとにしたドラマが放送される。
    • Kanojo no jinsei o moto ni shita dorama ga hōsō sareru.
    • A drama based on her life will be broadcast.

Example 7: Decision Making

  • データをもとに、戦略を立てましょう。
    • Dēta o moto ni, senryaku o tatemashō.
    • Let's formulate a strategy based on the data.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • In Japanese society, authenticity and honoring the original source are valued. Using 「をもとに」 emphasizes respect for the foundation or inspiration behind something.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • The grammar point 「をもとに」 itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Politeness is conveyed through verb endings and the overall context of the conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • もとより: "From the beginning" or "of course"
    • 彼はもとより参加するつもりだ。
      • Kare wa moto yori sanka suru tsumori da.
      • He intends to participate from the outset.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Omitting the particle
    • Incorrect: 経験もとに (Keiken moto ni)
    • Correct: 経験をもとに (Keiken o moto ni)
  • Mistake: Confusing もと (origin) with こと (thing)
    • Be careful not to write ことに when you mean もとに.

Learning Strategies

  • Tip: Remember that もと (元/基) means "base" or "origin," so をもとに indicates "using [Noun] as the base."
  • Mnemonic: Think of もと as the "motto" or guiding principle behind something.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Noun をもとに is used to express that something is based on or derived from the noun.
  • It can be used in various contexts, including creative works, decision-making, and research.
  • Pay attention to using the correct particles and not confusing similar expressions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does 「データをもとにした報告書」 mean in English?
  2. How is 「をもとに」 different from 「に基づいて」?
  3. Create a sentence using 「をもとに」 in a cultural context.

Answers

  1. "A report based on data."
  2. 「をもとに」 is used with a broader range of bases, including ideas and experiences, while 「に基づいて」 is typically used with more concrete foundations like rules or data.
  3. (Example answer)
    古い物語をもとにした舞台が上演されます。
    An event based on an old story will be performed.

By understanding and practicing 「Noun をもとに」, you'll enhance your ability to express concepts related to foundations and sources in Japanese.

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