Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 1: 14/22

によるBy means of, According to, Depending on, Because of, Due to

Structure

Noun + によって
Noun + により

Details

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About によって・による

によって, による, and により are all different versions of the same expression, that can basically be translated as 'according to (A)', or 'depending on (A)'. This uses the same よる as seen in the grammar pattern によると. They will be used in the following way:

によって - Generally used before a comma (although not always). Acts as the separation point between the (A) and (B) parts of a sentence. Made up of the case marking particle に, and the う - Verb よる in its て form.

による - Generally used at the end of a sentence, to highlight that the previous statement depends on (A).

により - Almost always used before a comma. Acts as the separation point between the (A) and (B) parts of a sentence. Made up of the case marking particle に, and the う - Verb よる in its conjunctive form.

To use any of these constructions, attach them to the end of a noun that you want to express as being the 'dependent' thing.

Caution

による may also sometimes be followed by a noun. In these cases, it will become a verb modified noun, and highlight that (B) resulted from (A).

  • このミスはヒューマンエラーによるものです。
    This mistake is caused by human error.
  • この地震(じしん)による津波(つなみ)の心配(しんぱい)はありません。
    There is no need to worry about a tsunami brought about from this earthquake.

Fun Fact

Although よる is almost always written in hiragana, there are several different kanji that use this reading. They all share similar meanings. Learn more about this in the によると grammar point.

Related

Examples

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    その車(くるま)の値段(ねだん)によって、決(き)めます。

    I will choose depending on the price of that car.

    国(くに)によって、いろいろな伝統(でんとう)があります。

    There are a variety of traditions depending on the country.

    調査(ちょうさ)によって新(あら)たな事実(じじつ)が明(あき)らかになった。

    Through research, a new truth was discovered. (by means of)

    納豆(なっとう)が好(す)きかどうかは人(ひと)による。

    It depends on the person whether they like natto or not.

    話(はな)し合(あ)いによって決(き)まったのだから、文句(もんく)言(い)わないで。

    Our decision was made through discussion, so don't complain.

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      によって・による – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (12 in total)

      • mrnoone

        mrnoone

        English translation:
        by means of, according to, depending on

        Structure
        Noun + によって
        Noun + による

        View on Bunpro

      • Houndstooth

        Houndstooth

        Got this URL instead of a hint when I was off, just thought you should know!

      • mrnoone

        mrnoone

        Thanks for notifying us!

        Fixed

      • Houndstooth

        Houndstooth

        Reported this as well, but just wanted to show the issue here. This grammar point just really doesn’t like me I guess

      • mrnoone

        mrnoone

        Should be fixed now

      • Johnathan-Weir

        Johnathan-Weir

        When によって is used as “through” and the like is it any different from using で? 例えば、

        火災によって家はなくなってしまいました。

        火災で家はなくなってしまいました。

        My guess based on the reading is the によって sentences sounds like a natural disaster or accident while the で sounds more like a crime occurred.

        So if によって makes the means more passive; then in case like where I was part of a discussion using 話し合いによって sort of separates me from the decision whereas using 話し合いで would sound like I was taking more responsibility?

      • Pep95

        Pep95

      • opgjoh

        opgjoh

        @Pep95 Regarding the second question, that’s its own grammar point on BunPro, and means “depends on”:

        https://bunpro.jp/grammar_points/619

        (I kind of read it as “… depending on X, it differs” (違う means “to differ”) which seems Japanese-y in that its a bit of a roundabout, softened way of saying things :))

        As for the first one, where you’ve linked my post, here’s an interesting reply from that thread:

      • Ambo100

        Ambo100

      • Pushindawood

        Pushindawood

        @Ambo100 Thank you for the share! I have added this video to the links under Readings. Cheers!

      • Melanthe

        Melanthe

        I believe Shin Kanzen Master presents this grammar point as three distinct usages:

      • Rage0441

        Rage0441

        in 中級へ行こう I

      • Daru

        Daru

        Rather than an exclusion or new use, it’s really just a use of the grammar point.

        “It was made by the means of” becomes the basic meaning!

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