Life doesn’t always follow one rule—sometimes things change based on the situation. In Japanese, when something changes depending on a condition, the grammar you’ll want to use is によって. In this post, we’ll learn how to use によって to express that something differs depending on something else.
によって
Depending On
JLPT Level: N3
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How to Use It
Use によって when the outcome or situation depends on something else. This grammar is often used with verbs like 変わる (to change), 違う (to differ), or 異なる (to be different in a formal sense). It shows that something varies based on the noun that comes before によって. This is a useful phrase when comparing things like opinions, rules, or schedules that differ by place, time, or person.
Usage Pattern
[Noun] +によって + Result (often with a change or difference verb)
Example 1
答えは人によって違います。
こたえ は ひと に よって ちがいます。
Kotae wa hito ni yotte chigaimasu.
The answer depends on the person.
Example 2
市によって学校の始業日は違います。
し に よって がっこう の しぎょうび は ちがいます。
Shi ni yotte gakkō no shigyōbi wa chigaimasu.
The first day of school differs depending on the city.
Example 3
場合によりますよ。
ばあい に よります よ。
Baai ni yorimasu yo.
It depends on the situation.
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