JLPT N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜によって” and “〜によっては”

Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜によって” and “〜によっては”
2. AによってB
3. AによってはB
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: I don’t understand the difference between “〜によって” and “〜によっては”
A: Both “〜によって” and “〜によっては” imply that something changes depending on various conditions or situations. However, “〜によって” expresses general changes based on different conditions, while “〜によっては” indicates a specific or exceptional situation limited to certain conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
AによってB (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
B changes, differs, or varies depending on A.
[Rules]
[N] Noun+によって
*The form “により…” is also frequently used.
*The form “Nによる。” can also be used as a standalone sentence. In this case, it implies changes, differs, or varies without the need for a verb.
[Examples]
髪の長さによってカットの値段が変わります。
The price of the haircut changes depending on the length of the hair.
収入によって支払う税金の額は変わります。
The amount of tax you pay changes depending on your income.
食事のマナーは国により異なります。
Table manners vary by country.
好きな音楽のジャンルは人によります。
The preferred music genre varies from person to person.
Various types of words can be used with A. It expresses that depending on A, B changes or there are different possibilities.

[Example]
髪の長さによってカットの値段が変わります。
The price of the haircut changes depending on the length of the hair.
⇒ This means that the price (B) changes in response to the length of the hair (A).

[Example]
先生によって日本語の教え方はいろいろです。
The way of teaching Japanese varies depending on the teacher.
⇒ This means that the teaching methods (B) vary according to the teacher (A).
AによってはB (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
In certain cases of ~
[Rule]
[N] Noun+によっては
*Commonly used nouns: 人(person), 場所(place), 国(country), 日(day), 時間(time), 状況(situation), 場合(case)
[Examples]
人によっては週6日働く人もいます。
Some people work six days a week, depending on the person.
国によっては税金がとても高いところもあります。
In some countries, taxes can be very high.
明日は休みですが、場合によっては出勤しなければなりません。
Tomorrow is a day off, but in some cases, I might have to go to work.
店によってはペットを連れて入ってもいいところもあります。
Some stores allow pets inside.
You can use various types of words for “A,” and in “B,” you highlight a specific example or situation within “A.”

[例]
人によっては週6日働く人もいます。
Some people work six days a week, depending on the person.
⇒ Most people work five days a week, but some work six. “Working six days a week” is considered a special case.

[例]
環状線はいつも込んでいるけど、時間によっては空いているときもあります。
The loop line is usually crowded, but depending on the time, there are times when it’s not.
⇒ It’s usually crowded, but at certain times it’s not. “Being less crowded” is considered a special case.
Let’s Compare
Here are two sentences, both of which are correct. It may be a little difficult, but let’s think about the difference.
In the case of sentence ①, it expresses a change in response (B) as “changing.”
However, in the case of sentence ②, it conveys a special situation (B), where “normally, the lunch menu is prepared, but there are days when it isn’t.”

① 曜日によってランチメニューが変わります。
The lunch menu changes depending on the day of the week.

② 曜日によってはランチメニューは作っていません。
On certain days, the lunch menu is not available.
Summary
[AによってB]
- You can use words that express various types, indicating that responses to a situation may differ or that there are different possibilities.
[AによってはB]
- This can also be used with words expressing various types, but it’s specifically applied when highlighting one special example or situation from among them.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. によっては
いつも人気のレストランですが、日によっては空いている日もあります。
It’s usually a popular restaurant, but depending on the day, there are times when it’s not crowded.
*“によっては” is correct because it presents a special example.
A. によっては
ほとんどの社員が朝9時に来ますが、社員によっては朝7時に来る人もいます。
Most employees come in at 9 AM, but some come in at 7 AM, depending on the employee.
*“によっては” is correct because it highlights a special situation for some employees.
A. によって
季節によって富士山の見え方が変わるのでおもしろいです。
The view of Mt. Fuji changes depending on the season, which makes it interesting.
*“によって” is correct because it expresses a change in response to the season.
A. により
このレストランは曜日によりメニューを変更しています。
This restaurant changes its menu depending on the day of the week.
*“により” is correct because it expresses a change in response to the day of the week.