Explanation

Used to express the idea of 'according to' or 'in accordance with'. It indicates that an action or situation follows or is based on a certain condition or standard.

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Key Formation

• Noun + に従って (ni shitagatte)

  状況に従って (According to the situation)

• Verb Phrase + に従って (ni shitagatte)

  ルールに従って (In accordance with the rules)

Example Sentences

• 年齢に従って、彼の責任も増えていく。 (Famous movie: Your Name)

  As his age increases, his responsibilities also increase.

  ねんれいにしたがって、かれのせきにんもふえていく。

  Nenrei ni shitagatte, kare no sekinin mo fuete iku.

  Pronunciation

• 市場の需要に従って、生産量を増やす必要がある。

  There is a need to increase production in accordance with market demand.

  しじょうのじゅようにしたがって、せいさんりょうをふやすひつようがある。

  Shijou no juyou ni shitagatte, seisanyou wo fuyasu hitsuyou ga aru.

  Pronunciation

• 予言通りに従って、世界は終末を迎えた。 (Famous anime: Evangelion)

  According to the prophecy, the world came to an end.

  よげんどおりにしたがって、せかいはしゅうまつをむかえた。

  Yogen-doori ni shitagatte, sekai wa shuumatsu wo mukaeta.

  Pronunciation

Usage Notes

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

Related Grammar, and what's the difference?

• に基づいて (ni motozuite) - (N3 - N2)
  - に従って (ni shitagatte) and に基づいて (ni motozuite) both express the idea of 'according to'. However, に従って (ni shitagatte) is used when something follows or is based on a condition or standard, while に基づいて (ni motozuite) is used when something is based on or derived from something else.
• にともなって (ni tomonatte) - (N2)
  - に従って (ni shitagatte) and にともなって (ni tomonatte) both express the idea of 'according to'. However, に従って (ni shitagatte) focuses on the action or situation that follows, while にともなって (ni tomonatte) emphasizes the accompanying change or consequence.
• に沿って (ni sotte) - (N2)
  - に従って (ni shitagatte) and に沿って (ni sotte) both express the idea of 'in accordance with'. However, に従って (ni shitagatte) implies a more strict adherence or following, while に沿って (ni sotte) suggests a more flexible conformity or alignment.

Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page

• * 年齢 (ねんれい)agePronunciation
• * 彼 (かれ)he/boyfriendPronunciation
• * 責任 (せきにん)responsibilityPronunciation
• * 増える (ふえる)to increasePronunciation
• * 市場 (しじょう)marketPronunciation
• * 需要 (じゅよう)demandPronunciation
• * 生産量 (せいさんりょう)production quantityPronunciation
• * 増やす (ふやす)to increasePronunciation
• * 必要 (ひつよう)necessaryPronunciation
• * 予言 (よげん)prophecyPronunciation
• * 通り (とおり)according toPronunciation
• * 世界 (せかい)worldPronunciation
• * 終末 (しゅうまつ)endPronunciation
• * 迎える (むかえる)to greetPronunciation

Quiz

What does に従って (ni shitagatte) indicate?

• Contradiction
• Possession
• In accordance with
• Comparison