Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Noun を もとにして (Noun wo moto ni shite)

Noun を もとにして (Noun wo moto ni shite)

Short explanation:

Based on; using; utilizing.

Formation:

Noun + をもとにして

Examples:

彼の意見をもとにして、計画を変更しました。
Kare no iken wo moto ni shite, keikaku wo henkou shimashita.
Based on his opinion, we changed the plan.
この小説は実話をもとにして書かれています。
Kono shousetsu wa jitsuwa wo moto ni shite kakareteimasu.
This novel is written based on a true story.
資料をもとにして、レポートを作成しました。
Shiryou wo moto ni shite, repooto wo sakusei shimashita.
I created the report based on the materials.
過去の成功例をもとにして、新しいプロジェクトを進める予定です。
Kako no seikourei wo moto ni shite, atarashii purojekuto wo susumeru yotei desu.
We plan to proceed with the new project based on past successful examples.

Long explanation:

The 'Noun をもとにして' grammar point is used to express that something is done based on, using, or utilizing the noun. It indicates that the noun is the foundation, source or basis for the action or statement.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Noun を もとにして (Noun wo moto ni shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を もとにして (Noun wo moto ni shite)

Noun を もとにして (Noun wo moto ni shite)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern Noun を もとにして is used to express that something is created or done based on or derived from a particular noun. It indicates that the noun serves as the foundation or inspiration for an action or creation.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • Based on Noun
  • Using Noun as a foundation
  • Derived from Noun

Structure

The basic structure of this grammar point is:

Noun + を + もとにして

Formation Diagram

Component Role
Noun Basis/Foundation
Object marker particle
もとにして "Based on" (expression)

Visual Aid

[Foundation Noun] を もとにして [Action/Creation]

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Patterns

Grammar Pattern Meaning Usage
Noun に基づいて Based on Noun Used in formal contexts, such as policies or data
Noun を中心にして Centered around Noun Emphasizes the central role of the noun
Noun によって Depending on Noun / By Noun Indicates means or causation

Differences

  • に基づいて (ni motozuite) is more formal and often used with rules or data.
  • を中心にして (wo chuushin ni shite) focuses on something being the center.
  • をもとにして (wo moto ni shite) emphasizes the noun as the foundation or source of inspiration.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. この映画は実話をもとにして作られました。
    • Kono eiga wa jitsuwa wo moto ni shite tsukuraremashita.
    • This movie was made based on a true story.
  2. アンケート結果をもとにして、新製品を開発します。
    • Ankeeto kekka wo moto ni shite, shin seihin wo kaihatsu shimasu.
    • We will develop a new product based on the survey results.
  3. 彼の体験をもとにして、小説を書いた。
    • Kare no taiken wo moto ni shite, shousetsu wo kaita.
    • I wrote a novel based on his experiences.
  4. 古い地図をもとにして、宝物の場所を探した。
    • Furui chizu wo moto ni shite, takaramono no basho wo sagashita.
    • We searched for the treasure's location based on the old map.
  5. データをもとにして、報告書をまとめます。
    • Deeta wo moto ni shite, houkokusho wo matomemasu.
    • I will compile the report based on the data.

Context Variations

  • Formal Context: 政府の統計をもとにして、政策が立てられた。

    Seifu no toukei wo moto ni shite, seisaku ga taterareta. Policies were established based on government statistics.

  • Informal Context: 漫画をもとにして、その映画を見たよ。

    Manga wo moto ni shite, sono eiga wo mita yo. I watched the movie that was based on the manga.


5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, attributing work to its source is important for showing respect and authenticity. Using をもとにして emphasizes the origin of an idea or creation, highlighting its connection to traditional or original materials.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The grammar pattern をもとにして is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Adjust the politeness by changing the verb endings.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 事実をもとにして (jijitsu wo moto ni shite): Based on facts
  • 伝説をもとにして (densetsu wo moto ni shite): Based on a legend

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Omitting the Particle を
    • Incorrect: 彼の話もとにして、小説を書いた。
    • Correct: 彼の話もとにして、小説を書いた。 Always include the particle before もとにして.
  2. Confusing with に基づいて
    • While both mean "based on," に基づいて is more formal and used with rules or established data.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of もと (元) as "origin" or "source." So, をもとにして means "using [Noun] as the origin."
  • Practice with Common Nouns: Use familiar nouns to create your own sentences, e.g.,
    • レシピをもとにして (Reshipi wo moto ni shite): Based on a recipe
    • アイデアをもとにして (Aidea wo moto ni shite): Based on an idea

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Noun を もとにして means "based on [Noun]."
  • It is used to indicate that something is created or done using the noun as a foundation.
  • Remember to include the particle before もとにして.
  • It is neutral in formality and suitable for various contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "Based on the survey results, we will improve the service" in Japanese? アンケート結果をもとにして、サービスを改善します。
  2. Which particle is used with もとにして?
    • Answer:
  3. True or False: をもとにして can be used in both formal and informal situations.
    • Answer: True

Acknowledgments

This lesson was designed to help you understand and use the grammar pattern Noun を もとにして effectively in various contexts. Practice by creating your own sentences, and soon it will become a natural part of your Japanese expression.

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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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