In this article, we will explain the meaning and usage of 〜に応じて (Ni oujite) and clarify how it differs from 〜によって (Ni yotte).
Core
〜に応じて：Proportion
What is the logical origin of 〜に応じて?
The essence of 〜に応じて lies in “dynamic adjustment”—receiving an external load or change and returning a response with a perfectly matched balance.
The etymology traces back to the kanji 應 (応), which depicts a scene of holding a bird (a hawk) against one’s chest. It is not a mere verbal “reply,” but a physical interaction where one directly receives the weight and impact of an external factor. From this imagery, the grammatical logic evolved to define a relationship of correspondence: measuring the load or magnitude of “A” and generating a response “B” that is equal to or commensurate with it.
How does it differ from 〜によって?
While English often translates both as “depending on,” Japanese logic distinguishes them based on the nature of the information being handled.
- 〜によって (Logic of Classification): Used when outcomes are divided into distinct, fixed categories such as “countries” or “types”. It is the logic of categorization (e.g., Group A gets Result 1, Group B gets Result 2).
- 〜に応じて (Logic of Adjustment): Used for variables that possess a range, scale, or degree, such as “budget” or “stamina”. It is the logic of fine-tuning—synchronizing the scale of the output to match the degree of the input.
- 〇 文化は国によって様々だ。(Culture varies by country.)
- × 文化は国に応じて様々だ。(Culture varies in proportion to country.)
A country is a fixed entity, not a value that increases or decreases; therefore, the logic of “proportion” cannot be applied.
Why is “Namae ni oujite” logically incorrect?
A common error is saying something like “Changing how I address someone ni oujite (in proportion to) their name”. This is logically unnatural because a “name” is fixed data; it lacks a “width of degree or level”. To use 〜に応じて, the subject must have the capacity for variance or a range of change.
What are the keys to mastering 〜に応じて for the JLPT N2?
The signal for the correct answer in the exam is whether the preceding word can be perceived as a “level” or a “numerical value”. Look for these categories:
- Finance & Cost: Budget (予算), amount (金額), income (収入).
- Biological & Situational Data: Physical strength (体力), age (年齢), weather (天候), situation (状況).
- Intensity of Demand: Needs (ニーズ), requests (要望).
Case Studies
状況に応じて、プロジェクトのスケジュールを再検討しましょう。 (Let’s re-evaluate the project schedule in proportion to the situation.)
成果に応じてインセンティブを支給します。 (Incentives will be paid out commensurate with performance results.)
お客様のご予算に応じて、最適なプランをご提案します。 (We will propose the most suitable plan in accordance with your budget.)
Quiz
Q1. 徹底したコスト削減（ ）、利益率を改善した。 (Through thorough cost reduction, we improved the profit margin.)
①に応じて (Ni oujite) ②にもかかわらず (Ni mo kakawarazu) ③を問わず (Wo towazu) ④によって (Ni yotte)
Q2. このホテルでは、＿ ＿ ＿ ＿サービスを提供している。 (This hotel provides detailed service in response to customer requests.)
①お客様の (Okyakusama no) ②応じて (Oujite) ③要望に (Youbou ni) ④きめ細かな (Kimekomaka na)
Answers are below the Summary.
Summary
| Grammar | Core Logic | Vibe | Target |
| 〜に応じて | Proportion | Dynamic Adjustment | Variables with a range (Budget, Age, Needs) |
| 〜によって | Classification | Categorization | Discrete groups (Countries, Types, Methods) |
Q1: Answer ④ によって 〜に応じて is incorrect here because the sentence describes a method or means (through the act of cost reduction) rather than a response that scales in proportion to a varying degree. “By means of” is the domain of 〜によって.
Q2: Answer ①③②④ (このホテルでは、お客様の 要望に 応じて きめ細かな サービスを提供している。) “Customer requests” (要望) can vary in intensity and content, making it a perfect match for the proportional adjustment of 応じて.
コメント