Translation guide
Expresses the grounds, foundation, or criteria for a decision, judgment, or action. Japanese uses various particles and compound expressions depending on whether the basis is a standard, evidence, reason, or source.
The speaker uses a rule, law, policy, or objective standard as the foundation for a decision or action.
The most common and neutral way to say 'based on N'. Used for rules, data, facts, plans, etc. N is a noun.
法律に基づいて判断します。
We will decide based on the law.
We made a plan based on the data.
Often used when something serves as a material, source, or inspiration. More like 'using N as a basis' or 'based on N (as a starting point)'.
この映画は実話をもとにしています。
This movie is based on a true story.
Formal, often used for following established rules, procedures, or precedents. Common in legal or official contexts.
規則に則って処理します。
We will process it in accordance with the rules.
The speaker draws a conclusion from something seen, heard, or experienced.
Literally 'judging from N'. Natural when the basis is an observation or piece of evidence.
彼の表情から判断すると、嘘をついているようだ。
Judging from his expression, he seems to be lying.
Literally 'looking from N'. Used to present a viewpoint or basis for an opinion.
今の状況から見ると、成功は難しい。
Based on the current situation, success is unlikely.
Similar to から見ると, but slightly more subjective. 'From the standpoint of N'.
私の経験からすると、それは無理だ。
Based on my experience, that's impossible.
The reason or justification for an action, often formal.
Means 'on the grounds of N' or 'citing N as the reason'. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
病気を理由に休んだ。
I took a day off on the grounds of illness.
Explicitly states the reason. 'For the reason that N'.
安全上の理由で中止になった。
It was canceled on the basis of safety concerns.
Formal written form of に基づいて. Often used in official documents.
調査結果に基づき、改善策を提案します。
Based on the survey results, we propose improvement measures.
Information comes from a specific source, such as a report, person, or document.
Used to cite a source of information. 'According to N'.
天気予報によると、明日は雨だ。
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
Based on what someone said. 'According to N's account'.
彼の話では、会議は延期されたらしい。
Based on what he said, the meeting seems to have been postponed.
に基づいて emphasizes a strict, objective foundation (rules, data). をもとに suggests using something as a raw material or inspiration, often with adaptation. For example, 法律に基づいて (based strictly on the law) vs. 実話をもとにした映画 (a movie based on a true story, but with creative changes).
規則に基づいて罰金を科す。
Impose a fine based on the regulations.
この小説は実際の事件をもとに書かれた。
This novel was written based on a real incident.
The English word 'basis' can be translated as 基礎 (foundation) in physical or metaphorical senses, but 'on the basis of' is not naturally expressed with 基礎の上に. Use the patterns above instead.
信頼を基礎として関係を築く。
Build a relationship on the basis of trust. (Here 基礎 works as 'foundation', but に基づいて is also possible.)