by means of ~, depending on ~

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates method/means or variation depending on factors.

[Noun] + によって

季節によって、景色が変わります。

Kisetsu ni yotte, keshiki ga kawarimasu.

The scenery changes depending on the season.

この本は夏目漱石によって書かれた。

Kono hon wa Natsume Souseki ni yotte kakareta.

This book was written by Natsume Soseki.

Three uses: by (agent), by means of, depending on.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Master all three usage patterns.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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