～に基づいて / ～に基づく

• Reading: にもとづいて
• Romaji: ni motozuite
• Formation: Noun + に基づいて + Predicate / Noun + に基づく + Noun
• Kanji breakdown: 基 (moto) = base, foundation

Meaning

Indicates that something is done based on or grounded in a particular source, principle, or fact. Equivalent to 'based on' in English.

This compound particle expresses that an action, decision, or judgment is founded upon some basis such as data, rules, experience, or principles. に基づいて is used before verbs and clauses, while に基づく and に基づいた are used as pre-nominal modifiers before nouns. It is commonly used in formal and professional contexts such as legal documents, academic writing, and business discussions. Unlike をもとに which can imply a looser or more creative use of source material, に基づいて suggests strict adherence to the basis mentioned.

Examples

1. 調査結果に基づいて報告書を作成した。 I created a report based on the survey results.
2. 法律に基づく手続きを進めなければならない。 We must proceed with procedures based on the law.
3. 経験に基づいて判断することが大切だ。 It is important to make judgments based on experience.

Usage Guide

Context: written, academic, business, legal

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 事実に基づいて正確に伝えてください。
• この計画は市民の意見に基づいて作られた。
• 憲法に基づく権利を守るべきだ。

Don't Say

• 経験を基づいて判断する。(Using を instead of に — the correct particle before 基づいて is always に) → 経験に基づいて判断する。
• データに基づいて結論を出した。(Using に基づいて where に基づく would be more concise as a noun modifier) → データに基づく結論を出した。

Origin & History

Compound of に and 基づいて (te-form of 基づく, to be based on). The kanji 基 means foundation or base, conveying the idea of building upon a solid ground.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal