によると
According to
Structure
Verb + ところ + によると(1)
(1) によれば
Explanation
The phrase によると is formed from the case marking particle に, the う - Verb よる, and the conjunction particle と. It is used to state the source of information, translating to 'according to (A)' or 'based on (A)'. In this structure, (A) represents the source from which the information in part (B) of the sentence originates.
This grammar pattern typically follows a noun. It can also be used with a verb followed by ところ, which signifies the 'point' or 'instance' from which the information was obtained.
- 学校からのメールによると、明日のテストはキャンセルになったらしいですよ。According to the email from school, it seems tomorrow's test has been canceled.
- ネットで調べたところによると、このお店は日曜日が定休日らしいよ。Based on what I looked up online, this shop is apparently closed on Sundays.
In more formal situations, such as news broadcasts or official announcements, the more polite form によりますと is frequently used.
- 政府の発表によりますと、来月から新しい税金が導入されるという事です。According to the government's announcement, a new tax will be introduced starting next month.
The meaning 'according to' is not exclusively expressed with と. A common alternative is によれば, which is formed by combining よる with the conjunction particle ば.
- あの雑誌によれば、駅の前に新しいカフェができるようになる。According to that magazine, a new cafe is going to be opening in front of the station.
- 田中さんが言うところによると、山田さんは来月結婚するそうだ。From what Tanaka-san says, it sounds like Yamada-san is getting married next month.
Caution
While によると and によれば are often interchangeable, によると implies a stronger degree of confidence in the information's reliability. For this reason, によると is generally preferred when citing official or highly credible sources like news reports or police statements.
- 気象庁によると、大型の台風が日本に接近しているという事です。According to the Meteorological Agency, a large typhoon is approaching Japan.
Fun Fact
The verb よる is typically written in hiragana. However, several kanji can be used, each carrying a subtle difference in meaning while sharing the core concept that '(B) is founded upon (A)'. The most common kanji for よる include:
依る - (B) is dependent on (A).
拠る - (B) is based on (A).
因る - (B) is caused by (A).
由る - (B) originates from (A).
Examples
テレビのニュースによると、駅の前に新しいカフェができたそうです。
According to the TV news, a new cafe has opened in front of the station.
友達によれば、今日のテストはすごく難しかったらしい。
According to my friend, today's test was apparently really difficult.
雑誌の記事によると、今年の流行色は緑だということです。
According to a magazine article, this year's popular color is green.
先生の説明によれば、宿題の締め切りは来週の月曜日だ。
According to the teacher's explanation, the homework deadline is next Monday.
会社からのメールによると、明日の会議は中止になったそうです。
According to the email from the company, tomorrow's meeting has been cancelled.
ある研究によれば、睡眠不足は健康に良くない。
According to a certain study, lack of sleep is not good for your health.
噂によると、あの有名人のカップルは別れたみたいだ。
According to the rumors, it seems that famous celebrity couple has broken up.
そのレストランのサイトによれば、今日は定休日らしいです。
According to the restaurant's website, it seems they're closed today.
説明書によると、まずこの部品をそこに取り付ける必要がある。
According to the instruction manual, you first need to attach this part there.
駅のアナウンスによれば、電車は１０分ほど遅れているようです。
According to the station announcement, the train seems to be delayed by about 10 minutes.
父からの電話によると、今夜は帰りが遅くなるそうだ。
According to the call from my dad, he's going to be home late tonight.
カレンダーによると、今日は祝日なので、学校は休みです。
According to the calendar, today is a national holiday, so there's no school.