事によると

• Reading: ことによると
• Romaji: koto ni yoru to
• Kanji breakdown: 事 (koto/ji) — thing, matter, affair
• Pronunciation: /ko.to.ni.jo.ɾɯ.to/

Meaning

Perhaps; possibly; depending on circumstances. An expression indicating something might happen.

An adverbial expression meaning 'it's possible that' or 'perhaps,' often followed by かもしれない (might). Used when speculating about a possibility based on circumstances. Similar in meaning to もしかすると and ひょっとすると. Slightly more formal than もしかしたら.

Examples

1. 事によると明日は雨かもしれない。 It might rain tomorrow, depending on how things go.
2. 事によると彼はもう出発したかもしれない。 He may have already left, for all we know.
3. 事によると来月の計画が変わる可能性がある。 There's a chance the plans for next month could change.

Usage Guide

Context: speculation, conversation, forecasting

Tone: tentative

Origin & History

Composed of 事 (koto, thing/matter), に (particle), よる (to depend on), and と (conditional particle). Literally means 'if it depends on the matter' — expressing that outcomes may vary by circumstance.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal