基づく

• Reading: もとづく
• Romaji: motozuku
• Kanji breakdown: 基 (ki/moto) — foundation, base, basis
• Pronunciation: /mo.to.zɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To be grounded on; to be based on; to originate from. Used for logical or factual foundations.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the く row. An intransitive verb used in formal and academic contexts. Common patterns include ～に基づいて (based on ~) and ～に基づく (that is based on ~). Frequently appears in legal writing (法律に基づく = based on the law), research (データに基づく = data-based), and reasoning. More formal than ～をもとにする.

Examples

1. この計画は調査結果に基づいて作られた。 This plan was created based on the survey results.
2. 事実に基づく映画は説得力がある。 Movies based on true stories are convincing.
3. 経験に基づいたアドバイスが一番役に立つ。 Advice based on experience is the most helpful.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, legal, business

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 基 (moto, foundation/base) and づく (zuku, to be attached to). Literally 'attached to the foundation' — resting upon a solid base.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated