1.
depending on the case; in some cases; possibly
Used to introduce the possibility that something may happen under certain circumstances. Indicates that the outcome depends on the specific situation.
場合によっては中止になる。
Depending on the case, it may be canceled.
場合によっては手術が必要になるかもしれない。
Depending on the situation, surgery may be necessary.
天候が悪ければ、場合によっては明日に延期することもある。
If the weather is bad, it could possibly be postponed to tomorrow.
場合によっては法的措置を取らざるを得ないこともあります。
In some cases, we may have no choice but to take legal action.
Composed of 場合 ('case, situation') + に + よっては (conditional form of よる, 'to depend on'). This expression hedges a statement by introducing the possibility that something may happen under certain conditions, without specifying exactly what those conditions are.
Often placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence as a sentence-level modifier. It softens assertions and is commonly used in formal announcements, medical explanations, and business contexts.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 状況によっては: depending on the situation — emphasizes the current state of affairs rather than abstract cases
- 時と場合によっては: depending on the time and place — adds temporal and spatial conditions
- もしかすると: perhaps, possibly — more casual and speculative
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 場合によっては〜こともある: in some cases, it can happen that...
- 場合によっては〜かもしれない: depending on the case, it might...
- 場合によっては〜必要がある: in some cases, it may be necessary to...