Learning how to express “according to” in Japanese is essential for effective communication and understanding of various contexts. Whether you are engaging in formal settings or casual conversations, mastering this phrase will greatly enhance your language skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “according to” in Japanese, providing you with valuable tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “According to” in Japanese
In formal situations, it is important to use polite language and expressions to show respect. Here are some formal ways to say “according to” in Japanese:
- … ni yoru to (based on …)
This phrase is commonly used in formal situations to indicate that a statement or information is based on a certain source or authority.
For example:
“According to the report, the economy is expected to grow next quarter.”
In Japanese: 報告書によると、来季経済は成長する見込みです。
… ni yotte (due to …)
When expressing cause-and-effect relationships, this phrase is often used to convey the meaning of “according to” in formal settings.
For example:
“According to the survey, the decline in sales was due to the change in consumer behavior.”
In Japanese: 調査によって、売り上げの減少は消費者の行動変化によるものでした。
… ni motozuite (on the basis of …)
This phrase is commonly used when referring to information or decisions made on the basis of something.
For example:
“According to the study, the new policy was developed on the basis of extensive research.”
In Japanese: 研究に基づいて、その新政策が策定されました。
Informal Ways to Say “According to” in Japanese
In casual or informal situations, the language tends to be more relaxed. Here are some informal ways to express “according to” in Japanese:
- … no yōni (like …)
This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations to convey the meaning of “according to” in an informal manner.
For example:
“According to my friend, the movie was really good.”
In Japanese: 友達の言葉によると、その映画は本当に良かったらしい。
… rashii (it seems like …)
This phrase is often used to express hearsay or rumors, conveying the meaning of “according to” in a casual way.
For example:
“According to what I heard, the concert tickets sold out within minutes.”
In Japanese: 聞いた話によると、コンサートのチケットは数分で完売したらしい。
Tips for Using “According to” in Japanese
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using “according to” in Japanese:
- Pay attention to the context: Depending on the situation, you may need to adjust your choice of phrase to match the formality level.
- Use appropriate sentence endings: When expressing “according to” in Japanese, consider using suitable sentence-ending particles like “〜そうです” (it seems that …) or “〜と言われています” (it is said that …).
- Listen and observe: Pay attention to how native speakers express “according to” in various contexts, as this will help you gain a deeper understanding of its usage.
- Practice with examples: Use the provided examples to practice expressing “according to” in Japanese. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Remember, language learning is a continuous journey, and mastering the nuances of expressing “according to” will greatly enhance your Japanese language skills. Whether you find yourself in a formal business setting or casual conversations with friends, the ability to accurately convey information “according to” a source or authority is crucial for effective communication.
Now, armed with various formal and informal ways, valuable tips, and practical examples, you can confidently express “according to” in Japanese in a manner that suits your specific context.
