JLPT N1 Grammar – Difference between “いかんで” and “いかんでは”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “いかんで” and “いかんでは”
2. いかんで
3. いかんでは
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “いかんで” and “いかんでは”?
A: Both follow words that indicate conditions, but the nuance of the sentence that follows differs.
いかん（で） (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
Based on ~
Depending on ~
[Rule]
[N] Noun (の) + いかん (で)
[Examples]
今回の結果いかんで、昇給できるか決まります。
Whether you can get a raise this time depends on the outcome.
この話をどうするかは社長の決心いかんです。
What to do about this matter depends on the president’s decision.
A indicates a condition or standard, and it directly expresses how B changes as a result.
This usage clearly conveys how B (the result or impact) is influenced by A.
[Examples]
交渉の結果いかんで、契約の条件が変わります。
Depending on the outcome of the negotiation, the terms of the contract may change.
⇒ This shows how the outcome of the negotiation influences the terms of the contract.
商品の見せ方いかんで売り上げが大きく変わります。
The way a product is presented can significantly affect sales.
⇒ This demonstrates the extent to which the presentation of a product impacts sales.
いかんでは (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
Based on ~
In the case of ~
Depending on ~
[Rule]
[N] Noun (の) + いかんでは / いかんによっては
[Examples]
天候いかんでは明日の試合は中止します。
Depending on the weather, tomorrow’s match may be canceled.
成績いかんによっては卒業できないかもしれません。
Depending on your grades, you might not be able to graduate.
A indicates a condition or situation and is used to illustrate the possibilities of B based on it. The sentence often ends with expressions such as “might” or “could,” which suggest multiple possibilities. It may also be used to state specific outcomes or choices.
[Examples]
天候のいかんによっては今日の飛行機は飛ばないかもしれません。
Depending on the weather, today’s flight might not take off.
⇒ This indicates the possibility of a flight cancellation due to the weather.
申込者の人数いかんでは、イベントの開催方法が変更されることもあります。
Depending on the number of applicants, the event’s format might be changed.
⇒ This shows how the number of applicants could impact the event’s format. Here, it suggests the options of “standard format” or “a modified format.”
Let’s Compare
Let’s revisit and compare the differences between “いかんで” and “いかんでは.”
“いかんで” is used in sentences where, under certain conditions, “the results may change” or “an impact may occur.”
On the other hand, “いかんでは” is used to present one example from multiple possibilities, or to indicate specific outcomes or extreme results.
[Examples]
天候いかんで米の収穫に影響が出ます。
Depending on the weather, the rice harvest may be affected.
⇒ This indicates that the weather will influence the rice harvest.
天候いかんで米の収穫ができるかどうか決まります。
Depending on the weather, it will be decided whether the rice can be harvested or not.
⇒ The phrase “whether or not” emphasizes that the result depends on the conditions.
天候いかんでは米が収穫できないかもしれません。
Depending on the weather, it might not be possible to harvest the rice.
⇒ This shows one possibility: that the rice might not be harvested.
天候いかんでは米が収穫できません。
Depending on the weather, it will not be possible to harvest the rice.
⇒ This clearly expresses a specific outcome: that the rice cannot be harvested.
Summary
[いかんで]
- It indicates a condition and directly expresses what kind of results or impacts may occur as a consequence.
[いかんでは]
- Similarly, it indicates a condition, but it is used when presenting one example from multiple possibilities or when showing a specific result or conclusion.
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. いかんで
彼の努力いかんでこのプロジェクトが実行されるかどうか決まります。
Whether this project will be implemented depends on his effort.
*The phrase “〜かどうか” (whether or not) indicates that the result or condition may change, so “いかんで” is correct.
A. いかんで
今回の成績いかんでボーナスが変わります。
The bonus will vary depending on the results this time.
*This shows that the results directly influence the bonus, so “いかんで” is correct.
A. いかんでは
会議の内容いかんでは今回の契約は無しになります。
Depending on the content of the meeting, this contract may be canceled.
*”The contract may be canceled” represents a specific conclusion, so “いかんでは” is correct.
A. いかんでは
売れ行きいかんでは販売をやめるかもしれません。
Depending on the sales performance, we might stop selling the product.
* “やめるかもしれない” (Might no longer be sold) indicates one possible outcome, so “いかんでは” is correct.
