Learning how to express the concept of “by someone” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. Whether you want to express that something was done by a specific individual or to ask who did something, this guide will provide you with useful tips, examples, and variations in both formal and informal language. Additionally, we will cover regional variations, but only when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “By Someone”
In formal Japanese, there are several ways to indicate that something was done by someone. The choice of expression often depends on the context and the level of politeness required. Here are some common options:
- ~によって (ni yotte): This is a formal and versatile expression that can be used in various situations. It can imply that a person directly caused or influenced an action or event. For example:
映画はスピルバーグ監督によって作られました。(Eiga wa Supirubāgu kantoku ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
The movie was made by director Spielberg.
~による (ni yoru): Similar to “~によって,” this expression is also formal and can be used interchangeably. However, “~による” may sound slightly more subjective or opinionated. Here’s an example:
評判は批評家によるものです。(Hyōban wa hihyōka ni yoru mono desu.)
The reputation was based on the critics’ opinions.
~によりますと (ni yorimasu to): This expression is often used in formal speech or writing to convey information based on another person’s statement or opinion. For instance:
銀行の発表によりますと、経済状況は改善されました。(Ginkō no happyō ni yorimasu to, keizai jōkyō wa kaizen saremashita.)
According to the bank’s announcement, the economic situation has improved.
~の手による (~no te ni yoru): This expression emphasizes that an action or creation was done by someone’s hands, signifying their direct involvement. Here’s an example:
美しい彫刻は彫刻家の手によって作られました。(Utsukushii chōkoku wa chōkokuka no te ni yotte tsukuraremashita.)
The beautiful sculpture was created by the sculptor’s hands.
Informal Ways to Say “By Someone”
When it comes to informal Japanese, the expressions used to convey the concept of “by someone” are often simpler and have a more casual tone. Here are a few commonly used examples:
- ~が (ga): This is a straightforward and informal way to express “by someone.” For example:
このケーキは私が作りました。(Kono kēki wa watashi ga tsukurimashita.)
This cake was made by me.
~によっちゃ (ni yoccha): This colloquial expression is commonly used in informal speech. It is a contraction of “~によっては” and can be used to suggest that an action or result may vary depending on the person. Here’s an example:
彼の判断によっちゃ、計画は変わるかもしれないよ。(Kare no handan ni yoccha, keikaku wa kawaru kamoshirenai yo.)
Depending on his decision, the plan might change.
~で (de): This versatile expression can be used in informal conversations to convey that something is done or caused by someone. For instance:
友達がスーパーで買ってきた。(Tomodachi ga sūpā de kattekita.)
My friend bought it at the supermarket.
~によるよ (ni yoru yo): This is a more casual variant of “~による” and is commonly used in informal speech among friends or acquaintances. Here’s an example:
最近、天気が雨によるんだよ。(Saikin, tenki ga ame ni yoru nda yo.)
Lately, the weather has been due to rain, you know.
Regional Variations
While Japanese has regional dialects, the concept of saying “by someone” does not significantly differ across different regions. However, it’s worth noting that some dialects may have slight variations in vocabulary or pronunciation. For example, in the Kansai region, the phrase “by someone” is often expressed as “~でんねん (~den nen)” in informal conversations.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “by someone” in Japanese opens up possibilities for effective communication and a deeper understanding of language nuances. In this guide, we explored various formal and informal expressions, including “~によって,” “~による,” “~によりますと,” “~の手による,” “~が,” “~によっちゃ,” and “~で.” We also touched on regional variations, highlighting the Kansai dialect as an example.
Remember, practice and context are key to using these expressions naturally. By incorporating these phrases into your Japanese conversations, you will not only sound more fluent but also improve your understanding of the language and culture. Enjoy exploring the richness of the Japanese language and have fun expressing “by someone” with confidence!
