JLPT N1 Grammar

〜いかん (ikan)

〜いかん (ikan)

“depending on; whether or not; contingent upon”

This expression is used to indicate that a situation, decision, or result depends entirely on a particular condition or factor. It is highly formal and belongs to the literary or stiff category of Japanese (文章語).

  • Formality: Very Formal. You will encounter this in official business contracts, academic papers, formal announcements, or high-level speeches. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation.
  • Context: Business strategy (results depending on execution), legal/contractual terms, and professional evaluations.
  • Nuance: It carries a sense of gravity and objectivity. It often implies that the outcome is not yet decided and hinges on the quality or nature of the preceding noun. Unlike the more common 「〜次第 (shidai)」, 「〜いかん」 emphasizes the critical nature of the dependency.

Format

  • [Noun] + いかん
    成績のいかんによって、奨学金がもらえる。 Depending on your grades, you can receive a scholarship.

(Often followed by particles like 「だ」「で」「によっては」)

Example sentences

  • 、。
    The budget allocation for the next term depends on the profits of the current term.
  • 、。
    Whether the partnership succeeds or not will be decided depending on the negotiations.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the reasons (the nature of the reasons), information leakage is inexcusable.
  • 、。
    Depending on the market trends, there is a possibility we might withdraw from the new business.
  • 、。
    Whether you are hired or not depends on the results of the written exam and the interview.

Similar Grammar

〜次第で (shidai de)

“depending on”
君の努力次第で、結果は変わる。 Depending on your effort, the results will change.

Difference:

  • Much more common in general business and daily life.
  • It is less formal than 「いかん」 and can be used for both small and large matters.

〜いかんにかかわらず (ikan ni kakawarazu)

“regardless of...”
理由のいかんにかかわらず、欠席は認めない。 Regardless of the reason, absence is not permitted.

Difference:

  • A set phrase derived from 「いかん」.
  • It explicitly states that the preceding factor does not affect the outcome.

〜いかんによらず (ikan ni yorazu)

“regardless of...”
学歴のいかんによらず、実力で判断する。 Regardless of educational background, we judge by actual ability.

Difference:

  • Very similar to 「いかんにかかわらず」, but slightly more literary and formal.

〜いかんでは (ikan de wa)

“depending on (a specific possibility)...”
検査の結果いかんでは、入院することになる。 Depending on the test results, I may end up being hospitalized.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the fact that a specific outcome might happen depending on the condition (often used for negative or extreme outcomes).

〜いかんを問わず (ikan o towazu)

“without regard to...”
理由のいかんを問わず、返金はできません。 Regardless of the reason, we cannot offer a refund.

Difference:

  • Used often in public notices or rules to indicate that the nature or reason of something will not be considered (e.g., "regardless of age").

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. の（　　　）、のが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. （　　　）、でした者はに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）、はこともある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、をことにした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. ののは、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. （　　　）は、をがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）、そののがことはなかった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. の（　　　）で、にかどうかが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. の（　　　）では、もありうる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）、なをすべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. のがするかどうかは、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）によっては、をする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. （　　　）では、のなも。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. のは、の（　　　）はならない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. の（　　　）では、がことになりかねない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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