Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Means" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "means", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
〜によって
〜によって (ni yotte)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
由
よし
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "means" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 〜によって and 由.
In Japanese, 〜によって (〜によって (ni yotte)) is typically associated with "by (means of), due to, depending on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can express the method/means, the cause/reason, or that something varies based on a condition. Often used in formal or passive voice sentences..
On the other hand, 由 (よし) maps to "a means; a way; a reason; elegance; historical precedent (classical multi-meaning word)" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "means" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "〜によって"
この絵は有名な画家によって描かれました。
This painting was drawn by a famous artist.
Bilingual Context for "由"
私は由に興味があります。
I am interested in a means; a way; a reason; elegance; historical precedent (classical multi-meaning word).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この絵は有名な画家によって描かれました。" (Meaning: "This painting was drawn by a famous artist.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "〜によって" fits here because it means "by (means of), due to, depending on" in the context of: "This painting was drawn by a famous artist.". "由" represents "a means; a way; a reason; elegance; historical precedent (classical multi-meaning word)".