を元に
Based on, From, According to
Structure
Noun + をもとにした + Noun
Explanation
When attached to a noun, を元に expresses that something is 'based on (A)' or 'created from (A)'. It is formed by the particle を, the noun 元 meaning 'origin' or 'source', and the particle に. It conveys the idea of 'using (A) as the source material for (B)', and typically refers to the physical or conceptual material that something was developed from.
- この映画は有名な小説をもとに制作された。This movie was produced based on a famous novel.
- アンケートの回答をもとに、プレゼンテーションを準備しました。I prepared the presentation using the survey responses as a basis.
- このキャラクターは猫をもとにデザインされました。This character's design was based on a cat.
While it is common to see this grammar point written in hiragana as をもとに, it can also be written using kanji as を元に.
Because this grammar pattern emphasizes the source material for a creation, it frequently appears with verbs related to making things, such as 作る 'to make', 書く 'to write', and 考える 'to devise'.
Caution
を元に 'based on' is different from に基づいて 'based on'. に基づいて is used when (B) follows a standard, rule, or logical foundation provided by (A). In contrast, を元に is used when (A) serves as the raw material or creative inspiration for (B).
- 事実に基づいて判断してください。Please make your judgment in accordance with the facts.
- 事実をもとに判断してください。Please make your judgment using the facts as a basis.
Fun Fact
While 元に is very common, you may also encounter 基に or 下に in different situations. Although you can find more detailed explanations online, their general nuances are as follows.
基に - As the foundation or standard for something.
元に - As the original source or material for something.
下に - Under the supervision or influence of (A).
Examples
この映画は有名な小説を元に作られました。
This movie was made based on a famous novel.
天気予報を元に、週末の予定を立てよう。
Let's make plans for the weekend based on the weather forecast.
このゲームのキャラクターは歴史上の人物を元にして作られている。
The characters in this game are made based on historical figures.
アンケートの結果を元にレポートをまとめてください。
Please put together a report based on the survey results.
噂を元に人を判断するのはよくない。
It's not good to judge people based on rumors.
この事件は目撃者の証言を元にして捜査が進められている。
The investigation of this case is proceeding based on the witness's testimony.
医者は患者の症状を元に診断を下した。
The doctor made a diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms.
ネットの口コミを元に、今夜のレストランを選んだ。
I chose tonight's restaurant based on online reviews.
ユーザーのフィードバックを元にアプリのアップデートを行いました。
We updated the app based on user feedback.
去年のデータをを元にした売り上げ予測です。
This is a sales forecast based on last year's data.
彼の経験談を元に、この物語は書かれました。
This story was written based on his personal experiences.
顧客の要望を元にして、新しいサービスを開発した。
We developed a new service based on customer requests.