When you want to show a clear cause and effect, you can use 従って (shitagatte). It’s similar to saying “therefore” or “consequently” in English. You’ll often see it connecting two sentences where the first sentence gives a reason or a premise, and the second sentence states the result or conclusion.
For instance, if someone worked hard, 従って, they passed the exam. It’s a bit more formal than some other conjunctions, so it’s good to use in more structured writing or speeches.
When used as a conjunction, 「従って」 (したがって) connects two clauses, indicating that the second clause is a logical consequence or result of the first. It's similar to "therefore" or "consequently" in English. It emphasizes a direct and often formal cause-and-effect relationship. You'll frequently encounter it in written Japanese, academic texts, and formal speeches. While 「だから」 is a more casual equivalent, 「従って」 elevates the formality and precision of your expression, making it suitable for situations requiring a more sophisticated tone.
Hello, SubLearners! Today we're diving into 「従って」(したがって), a very useful conjunction. You'll hear and read this one often in more formal Japanese, so let's get comfortable using it.
§ What does 従って mean?
- DEFINITION
- Therefore; consequently; accordingly.
Basically, it means "because of X, Y happened" or "X is true, so Y follows." It connects two clauses, showing a cause-and-effect or logical consequence relationship. It's often used when presenting a conclusion based on previous statements or facts.
§ How to use 従って in sentences
「従って」 typically appears at the beginning of the second clause or sentence, following a statement that provides the reason or premise. It's a formal expression, so you'll often see it in written Japanese, speeches, or formal discussions, rather than casual conversation.
§ Example 1: Showing a logical conclusion
この製品は環境に優しい素材で作られています。従って、環境保護に貢献します。
This product is made from environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, it contributes to environmental protection.
§ Example 2: Explaining a consequence
彼は忙しすぎます。従って、会議に出席できません。
He is too busy. Consequently, he cannot attend the meeting.
§ Example 3: Expressing an expected outcome
このデータは正確です。従って、信頼できます。
This data is accurate. Therefore, it can be trusted.
§ Common pitfalls
Overuse in casual speech: Remember, 「従って」 is formal. Using it in everyday conversations with friends might sound stiff or even a bit strange.
Confusing with other conjunctions: While it conveys cause and effect, it's more about logical conclusion than a simple reason like 「から」 (kara) or 「ので」 (node). 「従って」 emphasizes the conclusion that naturally follows from the preceding statement.
Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll soon be using 「従って」 like a pro in your formal Japanese!
How Formal Is It?
"したがって、この問題は早急な解決が必要です。 (Therefore, this problem requires an urgent solution.)"
"私は日本人です。だから、日本語が話せます。 (I am Japanese. Therefore, I can speak Japanese.)"
"疲れた。だから、早く寝るね。 (I'm tired. So, I'll go to bed early.)"
"お腹が空いた。だから、ごはんが食べたい。 (I'm hungry. Therefore, I want to eat.)"
"やばい、時間ない。だから、急ごうぜ。 (Shoot, no time. So, let's hurry up.)"
수준별 예문
雨が降っていた。従って、私は傘を持っていった。
It was raining. Therefore, I took an umbrella.
彼は病気だ。従って、学校を休んだ。
He is sick. Consequently, he was absent from school.
試験が近い。従って、もっと勉強しなければならない。
The exam is near. Accordingly, I must study more.
道が混んでいた。従って、遅れてしまった。
The road was crowded. Therefore, I was late.
彼女は忙しい。従って、手伝ってあげた。
She is busy. Consequently, I helped her.
彼はよく働く。従って、成功するだろう。
He works hard. Therefore, he will succeed.
練習が必要だ。従って、毎日ギターを弾く。
Practice is necessary. Accordingly, I play the guitar every day.
時間がなかった。従って、急いで食べた。
I didn't have time. Therefore, I ate quickly.
彼は努力した。従って、成功は当然の結果であった。
He worked hard. Therefore, success was a natural outcome.
Used to connect two sentences, showing a cause-and-effect relationship.
電車が遅延した。従って、会議に間に合わなかった。
The train was delayed. Consequently, I didn't make it to the meeting.
Indicates a direct consequence of the preceding event.
新しい法律が制定された。従って、これまでの規則は変更される。
A new law was enacted. Accordingly, the previous regulations will be changed.
Shows that an action or change is in accordance with a new condition.
彼女は病気だった。従って、学校を休んだ。
She was sick. Therefore, she took a day off from school.
A simple cause-and-effect statement.
予算が削減された。従って、計画を見直す必要がある。
The budget was cut. Consequently, we need to review the plan.
Highlights the necessity of an action due to a preceding event.
彼は約束を破った。従って、信用を失った。
He broke his promise. Therefore, he lost trust.
Demonstrates a negative consequence.
データが不足している。従って、結論を出すのは難しい。
There is a lack of data. Consequently, it's difficult to draw a conclusion.
Explains why a certain action is challenging.
指示に従って行動した。従って、問題は発生しなかった。
I acted according to the instructions. Therefore, no problems occurred.
Shows a positive outcome resulting from following directions.
문법 패턴
문장 패턴
A。従って、B。
雨が降っている。従って、傘を持って行った方がいい。 (It's raining. Therefore, it's better to take an umbrella.)
A。従って、Bことになった。
彼が病気になった。従って、会議は延期されることになった。 (He got sick. Consequently, the meeting was postponed.)
A。従って、Bと考えられる。
データが不足している。従って、結論を出すのは難しいと考えられる。 (Data is insufficient. Accordingly, it's considered difficult to draw a conclusion.)
A。従って、Bするべきだ。
約束を破った。従って、謝罪するべきだ。 (I broke a promise. Therefore, I should apologize.)
A。従って、Bという結果になった。
準備不足だった。従って、失敗という結果になった。 (Preparation was insufficient. Consequently, it resulted in failure.)
A。従って、B必要がある。
時間が限られている。従って、効率的に作業する必要がある。 (Time is limited. Therefore, it's necessary to work efficiently.)
A。従って、Bではない。
彼に会ったことがない。従って、彼の性格を知っているわけではない。 (I haven't met him. Therefore, I don't know his personality.)
A。従って、Bのである。
この問題は複雑である。従って、慎重に対処する必要がある。 (This problem is complex. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with it carefully.)
어휘 가족
명사
동사
팁
Basic Meaning of 従って
従って (shitagatte) is a conjunction that means 'therefore', 'consequently', or 'accordingly'. It shows a logical conclusion or result based on a previous statement.
Formal Usage
従って is a more formal conjunction compared to something like だから (dakara). You'll often see it in written Japanese, academic papers, official documents, or formal speeches.
Cause and Effect
Think of 従って as linking a cause or reason to an effect or consequence. The first part of the sentence provides the basis, and the second part is the result.
Example: Cause -> Effect
彼は努力した。従って、成功した。 (Kare wa doryoku shita. Shitagatte, seikō shita.) - He worked hard. Therefore, he succeeded. (Here, hard work is the cause, success is the effect.)
Using with Nouns/Verbs
従って usually follows a complete sentence or a clause. It doesn't directly attach to nouns or verbs in the same way some other particles or conjunctions do. It acts as a bridge between two ideas.
Don't Overuse in Casual Talk
While 従って is useful, avoid using it in casual conversations with friends. It can sound overly stiff or formal. Stick to more common conjunctions like だから (dakara) or なので (nanode) for informal situations.
Similar but Different
It's similar in meaning to そのため (sono tame - for that reason) or よって (yotte - consequently), but 従って often emphasizes the logical deduction or natural progression.
Reading as 'shitagatte'
The kanji 従 is also read as したがう (shitagau - to obey, to follow), and 従って is derived from that. This connection can help you remember its meaning of 'following from' or 'as a result of'.
Practice with Formal Texts
To get comfortable with 従って, try to spot it when reading Japanese news articles, academic papers, or official announcements. Pay attention to the context in which it's used.
Subtlety of Logic
従って implies a strong, almost undeniable logical link. It's often used when presenting a conclusion that is clearly and directly supported by the preceding facts or reasoning. It's not just a simple cause-and-effect, but a logical deduction: 'A is true, therefore, B must be true'.
셀프 테스트 36 질문
Choose the correct particle: 私は学生___。
The particle 'は' (wa) is used to mark the topic of the sentence.
What is the correct way to say 'This is a book'?
'これ' (kore) means 'this', 'ほん' (hon) means 'book', and 'です' (desu) is a polite copula.
Which one means 'I'?
私 (watashi) means 'I' or 'me'.
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) means 'Good evening'.
おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) means 'Good morning'.
ありがとう (Arigatou) means 'Thank you'.
ありがとう (Arigatou) is a common way to say 'Thank you'.
さようなら (Sayounara) is typically used for a casual 'Goodbye'.
さようなら (Sayounara) is a more formal or permanent 'Goodbye'. For casual goodbyes, Japanese people often use 'じゃあね' (Jaa ne) or 'またね' (Mata ne).
This is my book.
I am a student.
This is a pen.
Read this aloud:
こんにちは。
Focus: こ・ん・に・ち・は (kon-ni-chi-wa)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
ありがとうございます。
Focus: あ・り・が・と・う・ご・ざ・い・ま・す (a-ri-ga-to-u go-za-i-ma-su)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
さようなら。
Focus: さ・よ・う・な・ら (sa-yo-u-na-ra)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Today it's raining. Therefore, let's take an umbrella.
He was sick. Therefore, he rested from school.
This book is very interesting. Therefore, I recommend it.
Read this aloud:
テストがあった。従って、よく勉強した。
Focus: した
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は忙しい。従って、手伝ってあげよう。
Focus: あげよう
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
道が混んでいる。従って、遅れるだろう。
Focus: だろう
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a sentence explaining why you are studying Japanese, using '従って'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は日本のアニメが好きです。従って、日本語を勉強しています。(I like Japanese anime. Therefore, I am studying Japanese.)
Complete the sentence: 彼は忙しい。従って、___。
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼は忙しい。従って、パーティーに行けません。(He is busy. Therefore, he cannot go to the party.)
Translate this sentence into Japanese, using '従って': 'It's raining. Therefore, I will stay home.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
雨が降っています。従って、家にいます。(It's raining. Therefore, I will stay home.)
なぜTシャツを着ていますか？
Read this passage:
今日は暑いです。従って、Tシャツを着ています。公園へ散歩に行きました。
なぜTシャツを着ていますか？
文章に「今日は暑いです。従って、Tシャツを着ています」とあるので、暑いからTシャツを着ていることがわかります。(The passage says 'It is hot today. Therefore, I am wearing a T-shirt,' so it is clear he is wearing a T-shirt because it is hot.)
文章に「今日は暑いです。従って、Tシャツを着ています」とあるので、暑いからTシャツを着ていることがわかります。(The passage says 'It is hot today. Therefore, I am wearing a T-shirt,' so it is clear he is wearing a T-shirt because it is hot.)
彼女はなぜ日本語が上手になりましたか？
Read this passage:
彼女は毎日日本語を練習します。従って、とても上手になりました。
彼女はなぜ日本語が上手になりましたか？
文章に「彼女は毎日日本語を練習します。従って、とても上手になりました」とあるので、毎日練習したから上手になったことがわかります。(The passage says 'She practices Japanese every day. Therefore, she became very good,' so it is clear she became good because she practiced every day.)
文章に「彼女は毎日日本語を練習します。従って、とても上手になりました」とあるので、毎日練習したから上手になったことがわかります。(The passage says 'She practices Japanese every day. Therefore, she became very good,' so it is clear she became good because she practiced every day.)
今晩、何をしませんか？
Read this passage:
宿題がたくさんあります。従って、今晩はテレビを見ません。
今晩、何をしませんか？
文章に「宿題がたくさんあります。従って、今晩はテレビを見ません」とあるので、テレビを見ないことがわかります。(The passage says 'I have a lot of homework. Therefore, I will not watch TV tonight,' so it is clear he will not watch TV.)
文章に「宿題がたくさんあります。従って、今晩はテレビを見ません」とあるので、テレビを見ないことがわかります。(The passage says 'I have a lot of homework. Therefore, I will not watch TV tonight,' so it is clear he will not watch TV.)
Listen for the reason for missing school.
Listen for what was taken due to the rain.
Listen for what needs to be done because of the upcoming test.
Read this aloud:
従って、私たちは出発します。
Focus: し, たがって, しゅっぱつ
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼は忙しい。従って、手伝うことができません。
Focus: いそがしい, し, たがって, てつだう
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
寒い日だった。従って、温かい服を着た。
Focus: さむい, し, たがって, あたたかい
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen for the reason why preparations must be completed this week.
Listen for the consequence of his frequent lateness.
Listen for what can be concluded about personal information leakage.
Read this aloud:
彼は真面目に仕事に取り組んでいます。従って、彼の昇進は当然のことです。
Focus: し, たがっ, て, とう, ぜん
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この地域は交通量が多いです。従って、事故に注意する必要があります。
Focus: ち, いき, こう, つう, りょう, し, たがっ, て
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は努力を惜しまない人です。従って、どんな困難も乗り越えられるでしょう。
Focus: かの, じょ, ど, りょく, お, しま, し, たがっ, て, どん, な, こん, なん
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of 従って
従って (shitagatte) is a conjunction that means 'therefore', 'consequently', or 'accordingly'. It shows a logical conclusion or result based on a previous statement.
Formal Usage
従って is a more formal conjunction compared to something like だから (dakara). You'll often see it in written Japanese, academic papers, official documents, or formal speeches.
Cause and Effect
Think of 従って as linking a cause or reason to an effect or consequence. The first part of the sentence provides the basis, and the second part is the result.
Example: Cause -> Effect
彼は努力した。従って、成功した。 (Kare wa doryoku shita. Shitagatte, seikō shita.) - He worked hard. Therefore, he succeeded. (Here, hard work is the cause, success is the effect.)
예시
雨が降ってきた。従って、外出は取りやめにしよう。
관련 콘텐츠
health 관련 단어
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
