Translation and Meaning of: 事によると - kotoniyoruto

If you are learning Japanese, you may have come across expressions that seem simple but carry important nuances. One of them is 事によると (ことによると), a phrase that can cause confusion for those who are not yet fluent in the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and how it fits into Japanese communication. You will understand why this expression is so useful and how to apply it correctly in different situations.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 事によると, we will see how the Japanese use it in their daily lives, whether it appears frequently in animes or dramas, and if there are any tips to memorize it more easily. If you want to avoid common mistakes and use this expression with confidence, keep reading!

Meaning and translation of 事によると

The expression 事によると can be translated as "depending on the circumstances," "possibly," or "maybe." It indicates that something may happen, but it is conditioned on external factors or specific situations. Unlike words like 多分 (たぶん - "probably"), which suggest a subjective probability, 事によると brings the idea that the outcome varies according to the context.

In English, the closest translation would be "depending on the circumstances" or "it could be that." This nuance is important because it shows that the speaker is not just guessing a possibility but considering variables that may influence the outcome. For example, if someone says "事によると雨が降る" (ことによるとあめがふる), it means there is a chance of rain, but that depends on how the weather conditions evolve.

How and when to use 事によると

事によると is often used in situations where there is uncertainty, but with a touch of caution. You can find it in conversations about future plans, forecasts, or even in work discussions when there are unknown variables. For example, a boss might say: "事によるとプロジェクトが延期される" (ことによるとぷろじぇくとがえんきされる - "Depending on the circumstances, the project may be postponed").

It is worth noting that this expression is not as common as 多分 or かもしれない (maybe), but it still appears in more formal contexts or when one wants to be precise about the conditions of a possibility. If you are writing a professional email or trying to sound more natural in Japanese, knowing when to use 事によると can make a difference.

Trivia and memorization tips

One way to remember the meaning of 事によると is to break the expression into parts. The kanji 事 (こと) means "thing" or "matter," while に and よると can be interpreted as "according to." Putting it all together, we have something like "according to the matter," which reinforces the idea that the outcome depends on external factors.

Although it is not one of the most frequently used expressions in animes or dramas, you can find it in situations where characters are evaluating uncertain scenarios. If you want to practice, try creating sentences like "事によると明日は休みだ" (ことによるとあしたはやすみだ - "Maybe tomorrow will be a day off"). The more you use it, the more natural it will sound!