JLPT N1 Grammar

〜いかんによっては (ikan ni yotte wa)

〜いかんによっては (ikan ni yotte wa)
“depending on ~; according to ~ [a certain result will follow]”

This expression is used to indicate that a subsequent action, decision, or outcome is entirely contingent upon a specific condition, quality, or state of affairs. It is the more specific, conditional form of the broader grammar 〜いかんだ.

  • Formality: Formal / Literary. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation but is a staple in professional settings, legal documents, and official announcements.
  • Context: Business negotiations (contract terms), corporate strategy (market response), project management (milestones), and formal notices.
  • Nuance: It carries a weighty, serious tone. It implies that the outcome is not yet fixed and could swing significantly (often between success and failure) based on the factor being discussed. The use of 〜は at the end emphasizes the specific case or possibility.

Format

  • [Noun] + いかんによっては
    明日の天候いかんによっては、中止になる可能性がある。 Depending on tomorrow's weather, there is a possibility it will be canceled.
  • [Noun + の] + いかんによっては
    検査の結果のいかんによっては、再手術が必要だ。 Depending on the results of the inspection, a second surgery is necessary.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Depending on the progress of the negotiations, we will postpone the signing of the contract until next month.
  • 、。
    Depending on the nature of this misconduct, there is a risk it could deal fatal damage to our brand image.
  • 、。
    Depending on the user reaction, we should consider developing additional features.
  • 、。
    Depending on this quarter's performance, the bonus amounts for all employees will fluctuate.
  • 、。
    Depending on how the other party acts, we are prepared to take legal action.

Similar Grammar

〜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、遅刻は認められない。 Regardless of the reason, being late is not allowed.

Difference:

  • While 〜いかんによっては focuses on the outcome changing based on the condition, this expression means the outcome is the same regardless of the factor (e.g., "Regardless of the reason, we do not allow late entries").

〜次第で (shidai de)

“Depending on...”
努力次第で、夢を叶えることができる。 Depending on your effort, you can make your dreams come true.

Difference:

  • Much more common in daily and standard business Japanese. 〜いかんによっては is more formal/grave and specifically emphasizes the "range" of potential outcomes.

〜にかかっている (ni kakatte iru)

“Hinges on / depends on...”
合格できるかどうかは、君の頑張りにかかっている。 Whether or not you can pass depends on your hard work.

Difference:

  • Used as a sentence ending to show that the success or failure of something depends entirely on one factor (e.g., "Success depends on your effort").

〜次第だ (shidai da)

“It depends on... / That is why...”
売り上げが伸びるかどうかは、宣伝の仕方次第だ。 Whether sales grow or not depends on the method of promotion.

Difference:

  • When used to mean "depends on," it is neutral.
  • However, it is often used at the end of a sentence to explain a reason or a sequence of events in a business report.

〜いかんによらず (ikan ni yorazu)

“Regardless of...”
学歴のいかんによらず、実力のある人を採用する。 Regardless of educational background, we hire people with real ability.

Difference:

  • A formal synonym for 〜いかんにかかわらず.
  • It is strictly literary and used in very formal documents.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. の（　　　）、のも。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のによるは、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）、にこともだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、がするがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. のは、にが（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. （　　　）、は。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）、をがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のは、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. のがしたのは、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）、としてのがされる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. をにようなは、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）、はになるかもしれない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. は、的に1000（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. （　　　）、あげることも。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. ののは、にが（　　　）。
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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