N2 Basis, Topic, and Response

~に基もとづいて/をもとに(して): meaning, usage and examples

~に基もとづいて/をもとに(して) means: based on... / according to...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. データに基もとづいて、結論けつろんを出だした。

   We drew a conclusion based on the data.

2. この小説しょうせつは実話じつわをもとに書かかれた。

   This novel was written based on a true story.

3. アンケートの結果けっかに基もとづいて、新あたらしいサービスを考かんがえます。

   We'll plan new services based on the survey results.

4. 祖母そぼから聞きいた話はなしをもとにして、絵本えほんを作つくった。

   I made a picture book based on stories my grandmother told me.

When to use it

Both mean "based on". に基もとづいて means acting or judging according to a firm basis such as laws, data, facts or rules: 調査ちょうさ結果けっかに基もとづいて、計画けいかくを立たてた (we made a plan based on the survey results). をもとに(して) means using something as material or a hint to create something new, such as a story, film or product.

Nuance

に基もとづいて is formal and common in business, law and news; the basis stays fixed and is followed. をもとに is neutral and fits creative work: the original is changed or developed. Both connect directly to nouns.

Compare

法律ほうりつに基もとづいて判断はんだんする (judge according to the law, which is followed as is) vs 実話じつわをもとに映画えいがを作つくる (make a film using a true story as material). に沿そって means following a plan or line closely: 計画けいかくに沿そって進すすめる. に従したがって stresses obeying: 指示しじに従したがって.

Tip: Rules and data: に基もとづいて. Raw material for something new: をもとに. Ask "was it followed or used to create?"