The core meaning
調査結果に基づいて計画を直した means the survey results served as a basis for revising the plan. The phrase asks what evidence, rule or principle supports the action. It is common in reports, policy statements and professional writing, where readers expect more than an unexplained opinion. The foundation may be data, experience, a law or an agreed policy.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 調査結果に基づいて計画を直しました。 | Chōsa kekka ni motozuite keikaku o naoshimashita. | We revised the plan based on the survey results. |
| 事実に基づいて説明してください。 | Jijitsu ni motozuite setsumei shite kudasai. | Please explain it based on the facts. |
How to form it
Use a noun for the basis plus に基づいて: 事実に基づいて, データに基づいて, 規則に基づいて. に基づき is a compact written variant. Before a noun, use に基づく or に基づいた: データに基づく判断. The verb 基づく is read もとづく; the full expression is もとづいて.
| Use | Japanese form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | 調査に基づいて | Based on a survey |
| Rule | 規則に基づいて | Under the rules |
| Before noun | 事実に基づく報告 | A report based on facts |
Natural examples
Read each sentence for the relationship between the first idea and the second. The English translation gives a natural meaning, while the Japanese wording shows exactly where the pattern attaches.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| その規則に基づいて判断します。 | Sono kisoku ni motozuite handan shimasu. | We will judge the case under that rule. |
| データに基づく提案をまとめました。 | Dēta ni motozuku teian o matomemashita. | I put together a proposal grounded in data. |
Compare the nearby pattern
結果によって計画を変える says the plan changes depending on the result. 結果に基づいて計画を変える says the result provides evidence for the change. If you have not actually examined the information, avoid claiming a decision is based on it.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 結果によって対応を変えます。 | Kekka ni yotte taiō o kaemasu. | Our response will vary with the result. |
| 結果に基づいて対応を決めます。 | Kekka ni motozuite taiō o kimemasu. | We will decide our response on the basis of the result. |
The two examples may describe similar situations, but they lead the listener to different conclusions. Choose the form that matches the claim you really intend to make.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not write 事実に基づいてと思う when you only mean 'I think it is factual'. The basis should support a specific judgment, report or action: 事実に基づいて説明する. Also distinguish に基づいて from に沿って: one invokes a foundation, the other an aligned path.
- Names evidence or authority for an action
- Noun + に基づいて
- に基づく modifies a noun
- Stronger than merely consulting a source
Try it yourself
Take a practical decision, such as changing a timetable. Name the evidence that would justify it and write a sentence with に基づいて. Then write a version with を参考にして and compare how strong the claim sounds.
Say your sentence once slowly while looking at the Japanese pattern. Then say it again without reading. If your second clause changes from a possibility to a fact, or from advice to a requirement, revise it so the grammar still matches your meaning.