JLPT N1 Grammar

〜いかんだ (ikan da)

〜いかんだ (ikan da)
“Depends on; is contingent upon; whether or not depends on”

This expression is used to indicate that a result, outcome, or decision is entirely determined by a specific factor or situation. It emphasizes that the preceding noun is the key variable that will decide the final consequence.

  • Formality: Highly formal and stiff. It is an N1-level expression.
  • Context: Primarily used in written Japanese, formal business announcements, official speeches, or legal/contractual contexts. In a professional setting, it is used when discussing critical strategic outcomes or high-level decision-making.
  • Nuance: It carries a serious and decisive tone. Unlike the more common 「〜次第だ (shidai da)」, 「〜いかんだ」 sounds more authoritative and objective. It is often used to highlight that a situation is at a crossroads where the outcome is not yet certain.

Format

Noun + の + いかんだ
(Note: Sometimes the particle 「の」 is omitted after certain nouns.)

  • Noun + いかんだ
    今期のボーナスは、営業成績いかんだ。 This term's bonus depends on the sales performance.
  • Noun + いかんでは (Means "depending on..., a specific result may follow")
    交渉の結果いかんでは、提携を白紙に戻す可能性もある。 Depending on the outcome of the negotiations, we may return the partnership to a blank slate.
  • Noun + いかんにかかわらず (Means "regardless of...")
    理由のいかんにかかわらず、無断欠勤は認められない。 Regardless of the reason, unannounced absences are not permitted.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    The success or failure of the new business depends on the marketing strategy.
  • 、。
    The budget allocation for the next term depends on the achievement status of this term's KPIs.
  • 、。
    Whether or not a candidate is hired depends on the vision they present during the final interview.
  • 、。
    Depending on our company's response, there is a risk that long-standing business dealings may be suspended.
  • 、。
    Regardless of the reason, applications past the deadline will not be accepted.

Similar Grammar

〜次第だ (shidai da)

“Depends on; up to”
売り上げは、君の頑張り次第だ。 (Sales depend on your hard work.)

Difference:

  • Much more common in daily business conversation.
  • 〜いかんだ is significantly more formal and used for "make-or-break" outcomes.

〜によって (ni yotte)

“Due to; depending on”
国によって文化が異なる。 (Cultures differ depending on the country.)

Difference:

  • Focuses on diversity or variation among different things, whereas 〜いかんだ focuses on a single factor determining a single result.

〜にかかっている (ni kakatte iru)

“Rests on; hinges on”
プロジェクトの成功は、チームワークにかかっている。 (The project's success hinges on teamwork.)

Difference:

  • A more idiomatic and slightly less formal way to say something "depends on" a factor.

〜を問わず (o towazu)

“Regardless of; without regard to”
経験の有無を問わず、採用します。 (We hire regardless of whether one has experience.)

Difference:

  • While 〜いかんにかかわらず is a synonym, 〜を問わず is more common in job advertisements and general public notices.

〜いかんによらず (ikan ni yorazu)

“Regardless of”
理由のいかんによらず…。 (Regardless of the reason...)

Difference:

  • This is essentially a synonym for 〜いかんにかかわらず.
  • Both are formal and interchangeable in legal/official contexts.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のは、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. の（　　　）、をにことは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. ながあったと、も（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、のもだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）、をするがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. の（　　　）、のするをするがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. のさ（　　　）、をがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. やの（　　　）、なをにする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. のは、（　　　）に。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. の（　　　）、をするもできない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. にがあれば、のは（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）、がになることもある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. の（　　　）、のがにだろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. をかは、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）、をことは。
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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