In everyday conversation, you often need to say that an answer is not fixed. It might change from person to person, or from one situation to another. This workshop helps you speak about such variation naturally. You will learn four useful expressions and practice them in short, realistic exchanges. The focus is on speaking clearly and choosing the right phrase for the right meaning. You do not need to invent new sentences; you will use the recorded lines as your model. By the end, you should feel more confident answering questions when there is no single answer.
Saying That Something Depends
When a question has no single answer, you can say that it depends. Use «人によります。» when the answer changes from one person to another. For example, if someone asks whether a food is spicy, you might say «人によります。» because some people find it spicy and others do not. Use «場合によります。» when the answer changes because of the situation, such as the day, time, or place. For example, if someone asks whether a shop is crowded, you might say «場合によります。» because it is busy on weekends but quiet on weekdays. Both phrases are polite and safe in many daily conversations. The first focuses on people; the second focuses on circumstances.
Saying That People Differ
Sometimes you want to state that there is variation among people, not that something depends. Use «人によって違います。» to say that something differs from person to person. For example, if you are talking about favorite drinks, you can say «人によって違います。» because each person has a different preference. Use «人それぞれです。» to say that each person is different, or to each their own. This phrase accepts differences without judging. For example, if someone likes a food you dislike, you can say «人それぞれです。» to show that you respect their taste. Remember: «人によって違います。» focuses on the difference itself, while «人それぞれです。» focuses on accepting that people are simply different. Neither phrase means 'it depends' in the same way as «人によります。» or «場合によります。».
Choosing the Right Expression
To choose the right expression, ask yourself what causes the variation. If the cause is people, use «人によります。» or «人によって違います。». If the cause is a situation, use «場合によります。». If you want to accept differences without explaining a cause, use «人それぞれです。». In a conversation, you can also combine these with other information. For example, in a shop, a customer might ask if the shop is always crowded. The staff member could answer with «場合によります。» and then add that weekends are busy but weekdays are quiet. Similarly, if someone asks if a dish is spicy, you could answer with «人によります。» and explain that some people like spicy food and some do not. Practice listening to the whole answer, not just the first phrase.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
人によります。
It depends on the person.
Hito ni yorimasu.
場合によります。
It depends on the situation.
Baai ni yorimasu.
人によって違います。
It differs depending on the person.
Hito ni yotte chigaimasu.
人それぞれです。
Each person is different. / To each their own.
Hito sorezore desu.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、この店はいつも混んでいますか。
Excuse me, is this shop always crowded?場合によりますね。週末は混んでいますが、平日は空いています。
It depends on the situation. It is crowded on weekends, but less busy on weekdays.そうですか。この料理は辛いですか。
I see. Is this dish spicy?人によります。辛いのが好きな人もいれば、苦手な人もいます。
It depends on the person. Some people like spicy food, and some don't.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Answering About a Shop
Imagine you are a staff member in a shop. A customer asks you a question. You will hear the customer's question and then practice your answer using a recorded line.
Your task: Listen to the customer's question: «すみません、この店はいつも混んでいますか。». Then say your answer using «場合によりますね。週末は混んでいますが、平日は空いています。». Repeat the exchange aloud, playing both roles if you can. Focus on speaking clearly and politely.
Reply Comprehension: Is This Dish Spicy?
Imagine you are at a restaurant. Someone asks you if a dish is spicy. You will hear the question and then a reply. Your job is to understand the reply and choose the best meaning.
Your task: Listen to the question: «そうですか。この料理は辛いですか。». Then listen to the reply: «人によります。辛いのが好きな人もいれば、苦手な人もいます。». After listening, answer this question: Does the reply mean (a) the dish is always spicy, (b) the dish is never spicy, or (c) whether the dish is spicy depends on the person? Say your answer aloud.
Recall and Role-Play: Customer and Staff
Imagine a conversation between a customer and a shop staff member. The customer asks about how crowded the shop is. You will practice both roles using the recorded lines.
Your task: First, play the customer role: say «すみません、この店はいつも混んでいますか。». Then play the staff role: say «場合によりますね。週末は混んでいますが、平日は空いています。». After that, switch roles and do it again. Try to remember the lines without reading. If you forget, listen to the recording again and repeat.
Common questions
What is the difference between «人によります。» and «人によって違います。»?
«人によります。» means 'it depends on the person.' It answers a question where the answer changes from person to person. «人によって違います。» means 'it differs depending on the person.' It states that there is variation among people. The first focuses on dependency; the second focuses on difference. Both are polite and useful, but they are used in slightly different ways.
When should I use «場合によります。» instead of «人によります。»?
Use «場合によります。» when the answer changes because of the situation, such as the day, time, or place. Use «人によります。» when the answer changes because of the person. For example, if a shop is busy on weekends but quiet on weekdays, that depends on the situation, so «場合によります。» is correct. If a dish is spicy for some people but not for others, that depends on the person, so «人によります。» is correct.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: depends on person hito ni yoruChecked September 2026
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