～によって

The Japanese particle structure ～によって (ni yotte) is a versatile and essential component of intermediate to advanced Japanese grammar, primarily categorized under the CEFR B1 level. At its core, it functions as a compound particle that connects a noun to a verb or adjective to indicate a relationship of dependency, agency, or causation. To understand its usage, one must first recognize that it is derived from the verb yoru (依る/因る), which means 'to depend on' or 'to be based on.' In everyday communication, it serves four distinct primary functions: identifying the agent in a passive sentence, explaining a cause or reason for a specific result, describing a means or method of achieving something, and expressing variation or diversity based on a specific factor.

The Agent of Action

In formal passive constructions, particularly when discussing works of art, inventions, or historical events, 'ni yotte' identifies the creator or initiator. While the standard passive particle is 'ni,' 'ni yotte' is preferred when the focus is on the act of creation rather than the direct impact on an object.

Beyond agency, 'ni yotte' is a frequent choice for expressing cause and effect in formal or objective contexts. Unlike 'kara' or 'node,' which can sound subjective or personal, 'ni yotte' suggests a logical or physical consequence. For instance, natural disasters or social changes are often described using this particle to link the event to its outcome. It implies a direct correlation where the preceding noun is the catalyst for the following state.

Means and Methods

When you want to describe how something is accomplished—the 'how' of an action—'ni yotte' acts as the bridge. It is used for systematic methods, technological tools, or procedural steps. For example, 'learning through practice' or 'communicating via the internet' would utilize this structure to emphasize the medium.

Finally, one of the most common uses for learners is expressing variation: 'depending on.' When you want to say that something changes according to the person, place, or time, 'ni yotte' is followed by verbs like 'chigau' (to differ) or 'kawaru' (to change). This usage is vital for nuance, as it acknowledges that there is no single answer or state, but rather a spectrum of possibilities determined by the noun it attaches to. This multifaceted nature makes 'ni yotte' a powerhouse in Japanese syntax, allowing speakers to move beyond simple 'A leads to B' logic into more complex, descriptive, and formal explanations of the world around them.

Using ～によって correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical placement and its formal variations. The most basic construction is [Noun] + によって. It is important to note that this particle strictly attaches to nouns. If you wish to attach it to a verb phrase, you must first nominalize the verb using 'koto' or 'no,' though this is less common than simple noun attachment. In formal writing, such as news reports or academic papers, you will often see the shortened form ～により (ni yori). This functions identically but carries a more literary or stiff tone. Additionally, when 'ni yotte' is used to modify a following noun, it changes to ～による (ni yoru), effectively acting as an adjective.

The Adjectival Form: ～による

When you want to say 'a problem caused by X' or 'a book written by Y,' you use 'ni yoru' before the second noun. Example: 'Fushin ni yoru kaji' (A fire caused by negligence).

When expressing the 'agent' in a passive sentence, the verb must be in the passive form (～られる). This is specifically for cases where a person or organization creates something. For example, 'The telephone was invented by Bell.' Here, 'Bell ni yotte' is the agent. However, if the action is a simple physical one like 'I was hit by a car,' you would use the simple particle 'ni' instead of 'ni yotte.' The choice of 'ni yotte' signals a higher level of significance or a formal description of the act.

Variation and Choice

When using the 'depending on' meaning, the sentence often ends with 'chigau' (to differ), 'kawaru' (to change), or 'kimeru' (to decide). This indicates that the outcome is contingent upon the noun. Example: 'Kuni ni yotte bunka ga chigau' (Culture differs by country).

In summary, the structure is robust but requires attention to the relationship between the noun and the following clause. Whether you are attributing an invention to its creator, explaining the cause of a delay, or highlighting cultural differences, 'ni yotte' provides the grammatical framework to do so with precision and formality. Remember the three forms: 'ni yotte' (standard), 'ni yori' (formal/written), and 'ni yoru' (adjectival/pre-noun).

You will encounter ～によって in a variety of professional and educational settings. It is a staple of NHK News broadcasts, where reporters use it to explain the causes of weather phenomena, economic shifts, or political changes. For example, a news anchor might say, 'The heavy snow caused traffic delays,' using 'ni yotte' to link the snow to the disruption. This gives the report an objective, authoritative tone that simple particles like 'de' or 'kara' lack. In the business world, it is used during presentations to explain how a certain strategy led to success or how results vary by region. It is the language of data and logic.

Academic and Scientific Contexts

In textbooks and research papers, 'ni yotte' is indispensable. It is used to describe scientific processes, historical attributions, and sociological trends. When a textbook explains that 'Life was changed by the industrial revolution,' 'ni yotte' is the natural choice to denote that transformative agency.

In daily life, you might hear it in announcements at train stations or airports. 'Due to a signal failure, trains are delayed' is a classic 'ni yotte' sentence (often 'ni yori' in these recorded announcements). It is also common in discussions about preferences or habits where people acknowledge diversity. You might hear a friend say, 'Depending on the day, I might go to the gym,' which uses 'ni yotte' to show that their schedule isn't fixed. While it is more formal than 'de,' it isn't so stiff that it sounds out of place in a polite conversation between adults.

Literature and Art

Museums and galleries are prime locations for this particle. Descriptions of paintings, sculptures, and architectural wonders almost always use 'ni yotte' to credit the artist. It conveys a sense of respect and historical accuracy.

Whether you are reading a newspaper, attending a lecture, or listening to a formal announcement, 'ni yotte' is the signal that a relationship of cause, method, or agency is being established. It is a hallmark of clear, structured Japanese thought and communication.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with ～によって is using it where the simple particle で (de) is more appropriate. While both can mean 'by' or 'with,' 'de' is used for everyday tools and simple methods. For example, you should say 'Hashi de taberu' (Eat with chopsticks), not 'Hashi ni yotte taberu.' The latter sounds like the chopsticks are a complex system or a grand cause, which is unnatural. 'Ni yotte' is reserved for more significant, formal, or systematic methods, like 'solving a problem through diplomacy' or 'learning via the internet.'

Passive Voice Confusion

Another common mistake is using 'ni yotte' for every passive sentence. In Japanese, the particle 'ni' is the default for the agent in a passive sentence (e.g., 'I was scolded by my mother' -> 'Haha ni shikarareta'). You only use 'ni yotte' when the agent is the creator of something (like an author or inventor) or when the sentence is very formal and objective. Using 'ni yotte' for a personal interaction like being scolded sounds overly dramatic or robotic.

Learners also struggle with the 'depending on' meaning by forgetting to include the necessary verb at the end. A sentence like 'It depends on the weather' cannot just be 'Tenki ni yotte.' It needs a verb like 'chigaimasu' (differs) or 'kimarimasu' (is decided). Without the concluding verb, the sentence feels unfinished and confusing to a native speaker. Furthermore, confusing 'ni yotte' with 'ni tsuite' (about) is a common slip-up, as both are compound particles starting with 'ni.' Remember: 'ni yotte' is about the *source* or *cause*, while 'ni tsuite' is about the *topic*.

Formality Mismatch

Using 'ni yori' in a casual chat with friends is another mistake. While 'ni yotte' is acceptable in polite conversation, 'ni yori' is strictly for writing or very formal announcements. Using it casually makes you sound like a news broadcast or a legal document.

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse 'ni yotte' with 'ni taishite' (towards/against). While they look similar, their functions are entirely different. 'Ni yotte' explains the origin or reason, whereas 'ni taishite' explains the target of an action or a contrast. Keeping these distinctions clear will help you sound more natural and precise in your Japanese communication.

Understanding ～によって also involves knowing when to use its synonyms or alternatives. Depending on the context, other particles might be more precise or more natural. The most common alternative is the simple particle で (de). As mentioned, 'de' is used for tools, materials, and locations. When the 'cause' is a simple physical one (like 'I'm tired from work'), 'de' is often preferred over 'ni yotte' in casual speech. 'Shigoto de tsukareta' is more common than 'Shigoto ni yotte tsukareta.'

～によって vs. ～により

'Ni yori' is the literary version of 'ni yotte.' It is used in newspapers, formal speeches, and business emails. If you are writing a formal report, 'ni yori' will make your writing look more professional. However, in spoken Japanese, 'ni yotte' is the standard choice for polite situations.

For the 'depending on' meaning, an alternative is ～次第で (shidai de). While 'ni yotte' simply states that things differ, 'shidai de' implies that the outcome *depends entirely* on a certain condition, often suggesting that the result could be good or bad based on that factor. For example, 'Success depends on your effort' would use 'shidai de' to emphasize the critical nature of the effort. Another similar phrase is ～に応じて (ni oujite), which means 'in accordance with' or 'responding to.' This is used when an action is adjusted to match a change, such as 'adjusting the price according to the budget.'

～によって vs. ～から

'Kara' (from/because) is used for subjective reasons or origins. 'Ni yotte' is for objective causes. If you say 'Because of the rain, I didn't go,' use 'Ame kara' (less common) or 'Ame de.' If you say 'The erosion was caused by the rain,' use 'Ame ni yotte' for that scientific, objective link.

Finally, when identifying an agent in a passive sentence, remember that に (ni) is the standard. Use 'ni yotte' only when you want to sound formal or when attributing a major creation. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the most effective particle to convey your meaning precisely, whether you are describing a cause, a method, or a variation.