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〜に従って

B1 phrase #4,000 most common 8 min read

〜に従って

ni shitagatte Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜に従って in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜に従って in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn simple 'because' (kara) or 'and' (te-form). You might not use 'ni shitagatte' yet, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'and then' or 'so.' Imagine you are following a simple map. In A1, you say 'I look at the map and go.' In later levels, you will use 'ni shitagatte' to say 'Following the map, I went.' For now, just remember that 'shitagatte' comes from the verb 'shitagau,' which means to follow someone or follow a rule. It's like being a good student who follows the teacher's words. You will see this in very basic instructions like 'Follow the arrows' in a train station. It's a useful word to recognize even if you don't speak it yet.

At the A2 level, you are starting to connect sentences more logically. 'Ni shitagatte' is a great way to show that one thing happens because of another thing's progress. For example, 'As the weather gets warmer, flowers bloom.' While you might use 'naru to' (when it becomes), 'ni shitagatte' makes you sound more professional. You can also use it for simple rules, like 'Please follow the school rules.' In A2, focus on the 'Noun + ni shitagatte' pattern. It's easier than the verb pattern. Think of it as 'according to' or 'following.' If you follow a recipe to make sushi, you are using 'ni shitagatte.' It helps you explain *how* you are doing something, not just *what* you are doing.

At the B1 level, 'ni shitagatte' becomes a core part of your grammar toolkit. You should use it to describe proportional changes (As A changes, B changes) and adherence to guidelines. This is the level where you distinguish it from 'ni tsurete.' Remember: 'ni shitagatte' can be used for both natural changes and intentional ones (like following a plan), whereas 'ni tsurete' is mostly for natural things. You will see this often in JLPT N3 materials. It’s perfect for describing trends, like 'As the population decreases, the number of schools decreases.' It’s also vital for business Japanese, where you must follow 'shiji' (instructions) or 'manuaru' (manuals). Using this phrase correctly shows you understand logical flow and formal register.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuance of 'ni shitagatte' in formal writing and academic contexts. You will use it to describe complex correlations in data or society. You should also be comfortable with the alternative form 'ni shitagai' used to link clauses in formal speeches or news reports. At this level, you are expected to know that 'ni shitagatte' implies a logical or planned sequence. If a company changes its strategy 'in accordance with' market research, 'ni shitagatte' is the perfect fit. You should also be able to use the 'ni shitagatta + Noun' form to modify subjects, such as 'actions following the protocol.' This level requires precision in choosing between this phrase and 'ni tomonatte' (accompanying) or 'to tomo ni' (simultaneously).

At the C1 level, 'ni shitagatte' is used with high-level vocabulary to express sophisticated logical relationships. You will encounter it in legal texts, philosophical essays, and high-level business negotiations. You should understand its etymological roots in the verb 'shitagau' and how it differs from 'jun-zuru' (to conform to). At this level, the focus is on the subtle 'weight' of the phrase. It provides a sense of inevitability or strict adherence. You might use it to discuss how a culture changes 'in accordance with' technological advancement, or how a legal ruling was made 'following' a specific precedent. Your ability to use it naturally in a long, complex sentence without losing the grammatical thread is a key indicator of C1 proficiency.

At the C2 level, 'ni shitagatte' is a tool for stylistic variation and absolute precision. You understand the historical development of the phrase and can appreciate its use in classical-leaning modern Japanese. You can use it to create rhythmic, balanced sentences in formal rhetoric. For a C2 speaker, the choice to use 'ni shitagatte' over 'ni soku-shite' (based on/conforming to) or 'ni notto-tte' (following a tradition/law) is a deliberate one based on the desired tone. You can use it to describe the most abstract concepts, such as the evolution of thought in accordance with historical shifts. You are also fully aware of how the phrase functions in the most complex sentence structures, including those with multiple nested clauses, maintaining perfect clarity for the reader or listener.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜に従って in 30 Seconds

Used to mean 'according to' a rule or 'as' a change progresses over time.
Attaches to nouns (rules, plans) or dictionary form verbs (processes, trends).
Highly formal and common in business, news, and academic writing contexts.
Differs from 'ni tsurete' by allowing for intentional or planned changes.

The Japanese phrase 〜に従って (ni shitagatte) is a versatile and essential grammatical construction primarily used to express two distinct but related concepts: following a set of established guidelines and describing a proportional change where one action or state evolves in tandem with another. At its core, the verb 従したがう means 'to follow,' 'to obey,' or 'to accompany.' When transformed into the te-form with the particle ni, it becomes a functional prepositional phrase that bridges the relationship between a cause or standard and the resulting action or change. This expression is highly prevalent in formal writing, business communication, scientific reports, and daily instructions, making it a cornerstone for learners transitioning from intermediate to advanced Japanese proficiency.

Obedience and Compliance: In this context, the phrase indicates that an action is being performed in accordance with rules, orders, suggestions, or a specific plan. It implies a sense of duty or adherence to a predetermined path. For example, when a pilot follows air traffic control instructions or a chef follows a recipe, this phrase is the natural choice to describe that adherence.

指示しじに従って、ボタンを押おしてください。

Translation: Please press the button according to the instructions.

Proportional Change (As... then...): The second usage describes a situation where as 'A' progresses or changes, 'B' also changes in a corresponding manner. This is often used to describe natural phenomena, economic shifts, or personal development. It suggests a correlation where the progression of one event triggers the progression of another. Unlike some similar phrases, ni shitagatte can be used for changes that are intentional or planned, not just natural ones.

山やまを登のぼるに従って、気温きおんが下さがってきた。

Translation: As we climbed the mountain, the temperature began to drop.

Understanding the nuance of ni shitagatte requires recognizing that the 'following' isn't just physical. It is conceptual. When you follow a map, you are moving in accordance with the lines drawn. When you follow a trend, your behavior changes in accordance with the popularity of that trend. This phrase captures that sense of alignment perfectly. In business settings, it is indispensable for explaining procedures or reporting on how results have fluctuated in line with market changes. It provides a logical flow to sentences, signaling to the listener that the second part of the statement is a direct consequence or parallel development of the first.

The grammatical structure of 〜に従って is relatively straightforward but requires attention to the word classes it attaches to. It primarily follows Nouns or the Dictionary Form of Verbs. Because it expresses a relationship of following or proportional change, the preceding word must represent either a standard (rule, law, order) or a process of change (climbing, growing, time passing).

Pattern 1: Noun + に従って: When attached to a noun, the noun acts as the guide or the rule. Common nouns used include 規則きそく (rules), 計画けいかく (plan), 指示しじ (instructions), and 法律ほうりつ (law). In the context of change, nouns like 時間じかん (time) or 成長せいちょう (growth) are common.

法律ほうりつに従って、正ただしく処理しょりしてください。

Translation: Please process it correctly in accordance with the law.

Pattern 2: Verb (Dictionary Form) + に従って: When used with a verb, it almost always describes a proportional change. The verb must be one that implies a continuous process or a gradual shift. Examples include 進すすむ (to advance), 広ひろがる (to spread), or 増ふえる (to increase).

試験しけんの日ひが近ちかづくに従って、不安ふあんになってきた。

Translation: As the exam date approaches, I have become anxious.

One important variation is the formal ending 〜に従い (ni shitagai), which is often used in written reports or formal speeches to connect two clauses without ending the sentence. Furthermore, when modifying a noun that follows the phrase, you use 〜に従った (ni shitagatta) + Noun. For example, 指示しじに従したがった行動こうどう (action taken in accordance with instructions). This flexibility allows the phrase to function as both an adverbial connector and an adjectival modifier, providing precision in describing complex relationships between actions and standards.

You will encounter 〜に従って in various professional and official settings. It is a staple of the 'written' style (書き言葉かきことば), but it also appears in spoken language that requires clarity and authority. If you are in Japan, pay attention to announcements at train stations or airports; they often use this phrase to direct passengers according to safety protocols or schedule changes. In a workplace, your manager might use it when explaining a new company policy or when reviewing a project's progress relative to the initial timeline.

News and Media: News anchors use this phrase to describe economic trends. You might hear: 'As the value of the yen falls, the price of imported goods rises.' This logical linking is essential for reporting facts objectively without adding personal bias.

円安えんやすが進すすむに従って、輸入ゆにゅう品ひんの価格かかくが上昇じょうしょうしている。

Translation: As the yen weakens, the price of imported goods is rising.

Academic and Scientific Contexts: In research papers, ni shitagatte is used to describe correlations between variables. 'As the temperature increases, the reaction speed also increases.' It provides a formal way to express mathematical or logical functions.

Furthermore, you will see this phrase in 'Terms of Service' documents, legal contracts, and user manuals. When a website says 'By clicking this button, you agree to the terms,' the Japanese version will likely use 規約きやくに従したがって. It carries a weight of formality that tells the reader the information is official and non-negotiable. For students studying for the JLPT N3 or N2, mastering this phrase is key to understanding the reading comprehension sections which often feature these types of formal texts.

While 〜に従って is versatile, learners often confuse it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning grammar points like 〜に連れて (ni tsurete), 〜に伴って (ni tomonatte), or 〜によって (ni yotte). The most common mistake is using ni shitagatte for a simple 'because' relationship or a one-time causal event. Remember, this phrase requires either a 'standard' to follow or a 'continuous change' to track.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'ni tsurete': Many learners use these interchangeably. However, ni tsurete is strictly for natural, spontaneous changes (like aging or the weather). You cannot use ni tsurete for following a rule or a manual. Ni shitagatte is broader and can handle both rules and changes.

❌ 規則きそくに連つれて、掃除そうじする。
✅ 規則きそくに従って、掃除そうじする。

Correction: You follow rules (shitagatte), you don't 'naturally change' with rules (tsurete).

Mistake 2: Using it for Static Situations: The phrase implies movement or a standard. You cannot use it to say 'According to the news' if you just mean 'The news said...'. For that, you must use 〜によると (ni yoru to). Ni shitagatte would imply you are acting based on the news, not just citing it.

Another subtle error is the tense of the following verb. Since ni shitagatte often describes a process, the following clause usually ends in a verb that shows a result or a continuous state (like 〜てくる, 〜ていく, or 〜になる). Using a sudden, momentary verb can sometimes sound awkward unless it is a specific command based on a rule. Finally, ensure you are using the particle ni and not wo; even though 'following' often takes a direct object in English, in Japanese, you follow 'to' (ni) the rule.

Japanese has several ways to say 'as' or 'according to.' Distinguishing between them is a hallmark of an advanced learner. Here we compare 〜に従って with its closest relatives to help you choose the right one for every situation.

〜に連れて (ni tsurete): Focuses on natural, spontaneous, one-way changes. It is used for things like 'as you get older' or 'as the seasons change.' It cannot be used for following rules or instructions. Ni shitagatte is more versatile because it covers both natural change and intentional compliance.

〜に伴って (ni tomonatte): Emphasizes that two things happen simultaneously or that one thing is a direct accompaniment to another. It often implies a larger, more significant change, like social shifts or major corporate restructuring. It feels slightly more formal and 'heavy' than ni shitagatte.

〜と共に (to tomo ni): Literally 'along with.' It is used when two changes happen at the exact same time. It is very formal. While ni shitagatte suggests a logical sequence (A leads to B), to tomo ni suggests they are simply occurring together in time.

指示しじに従って (Following instructions - Compliance)
年としをとるに連つれて (As one grows older - Natural change)

Finally, consider 〜通りに (toori ni). This means 'exactly as.' If you want to emphasize that you followed a recipe exactly without any changes, toori ni is better. Ni shitagatte is more about the general principle of following. For example, 'following the law' is 法律ほうりつに従したがって, but 'doing exactly as told' is 言いわれた通とおりに. Choosing the right word demonstrates your sensitivity to the nuances of Japanese social and logical structures.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'shitagatte' is a grammar point, when it starts a sentence, it means 'Therefore.' This is because it literally means 'following [what was just said]...'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ni ʃi.ta.ɡat.te/

US /ni ʃi.tɑ.ɡæt.teɪ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'shitagatte', the pitch typically rises on 'shi' and remains level or drops slightly, depending on the dialect.

Rhymes With

katte (winning/selfish) matte (wait) tatte (standing) hatte (pasting) yatte (doing) shitte (knowing) itte (going) kitte (cutting)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the double 't' (tsu) as a separate syllable instead of a pause.
Using 'wo' instead of 'ni' as the particle.
Confusing the 'shi' with 'si'.
Over-emphasizing the 'ga' sound.
Failing to keep the 'e' sound at the end short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once the kanji is learned.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct particle 'ni' and dictionary form of verbs.

Speaking 4/5

Can be tricky to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Listening 3/5

Very common in news and announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

従う (shitagau) 規則 (kisoku) 指示 (shiji) 変化 (henka) 〜に (particle)

Learn Next

〜に連れて (ni tsurete) 〜に伴って (ni tomonatte) 〜と共に (to tomo ni) 〜に応じて (ni oujite) 〜に沿って (ni sotte)

Advanced

〜に即して (ni soku-shite) 〜に則って (ni notto-tte) 〜に準じて (ni jun-jite) 〜に相まって (ni aimatte)

Grammar to Know

〜に連れて (ni tsurete)

台風が近づくに連れて、雨がひどくなった。

〜に伴って (ni tomonatte)

人口減少に伴って、空き家が増えている。

〜と共に (to tomo ni)

家族と共に幸せに暮らしたい。

〜によって (ni yotte)

人によって考え方が違う。

〜通りに (toori ni)

私が言った通りにしてください。

Examples by Level

ルールに従ってください。

Please follow the rules.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Simple command.

矢印に従って歩きます。

Walk according to the arrows.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Directional usage.

指示に従って、箱を開けます。

I will open the box according to the instructions.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Action based on guidance.

番号に従って並んでください。

Please line up according to the numbers.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Ordering people.

計画に従って進みます。

We will proceed according to the plan.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Following a schedule.

先生の言葉に従います。

I follow the teacher's words.

Verb 'shitagau' used simply.

マニュアルに従って作ります。

I will make it according to the manual.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Process-oriented.

信号に従って止まります。

Stop according to the traffic light.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Safety compliance.

時間が経つに従って、お腹が空きました。

As time passed, I got hungry.

Verb (dictionary form) + ni shitagatte. Proportional change.

料理の本に従って、ケーキを焼きました。

I baked a cake according to the cookbook.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Following a guide.

地図に従って行けば、着きますよ。

If you go according to the map, you will arrive.

Noun + ni shitagatte + conditional 'eba'.

テストが近づくに従って、忙しくなります。

As the test gets closer, I get busier.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Describing a trend.

ガイドさんの指示に従って、写真を撮りました。

I took photos according to the guide's instructions.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Guided action.

成長に従って、服が小さくなりました。

As I grew, my clothes became small.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Physical change.

予定に従って、旅行を楽しみます。

I will enjoy the trip according to the schedule.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Adherence to a plan.

駅のアナウンスに従って、電車を降りました。

I got off the train according to the station announcement.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Public instruction.

北に行くに従って、雪が多くなってきた。

As we go north, the snow has become more frequent.

Dictionary verb + ni shitagatte. Geographical change.

社内規定に従って、この書類を提出してください。

Please submit these documents in accordance with company regulations.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Business compliance.

練習を重ねるに従って、だんだん上手になりますよ。

As you practice more and more, you will gradually become skillful.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Skill acquisition.

台風が近づくに従って、風が強まってきた。

As the typhoon approaches, the wind has become stronger.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Natural phenomenon.

時代の変化に従って、私たちの生活も変わっていく。

As the times change, our lives also change.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Social change.

指示に従わない場合は、参加できません。

If you do not follow the instructions, you cannot participate.

Negative verb 'shitagawanai' + ba (conditional).

薬を飲むに従って、痛みが和らいだ。

As I took the medicine, the pain eased.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Medical recovery process.

需要が増えるに従って、価格が上がります。

As demand increases, the price goes up.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Economic principle.

景気の回復に従って、求人数が増加している。

As the economy recovers, the number of job openings is increasing.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Formal economic reporting.

法律の改正に従って、新しいシステムを導入した。

In accordance with the legal amendment, we introduced a new system.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Legal/Corporate context.

登るに従い、酸素が薄くなっていくのを感じた。

As I climbed, I felt the oxygen getting thinner.

Using 'ni shitagai' as a conjunction. Formal/Literary.

研究が進むに従って、新たな事実が判明した。

As the research progressed, new facts came to light.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Academic context.

マニュアルに従った操作を行わないと、故障の原因になります。

If you don't operate it according to the manual, it will cause a breakdown.

'ni shitagatta' (past/adjectival form) modifying 'sousa' (operation).

都市化が進むに従って、伝統的な文化が失われつつある。

As urbanization progresses, traditional culture is being lost.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Societal critique.

政府の方針に従って、増税が決定した。

In accordance with the government's policy, a tax increase was decided.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Political reporting.

技術の進歩に従って、AIの活用が広がっている。

As technology advances, the use of AI is spreading.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Modern trend description.

社会構造の変容に従って、家族の在り方も多様化している。

As social structures transform, the nature of the family is also diversifying.

Advanced Noun + ni shitagatte. Academic sociology.

国際基準に従って、製品の安全性を厳格に審査する。

We strictly inspect product safety in accordance with international standards.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Formal quality control.

物語の展開に従って、登場人物の心情が細やかに描写されている。

As the story unfolds, the characters' emotions are delicately portrayed.

Verb + ni shitagatte. Literary analysis.

判例に従って、今回の事案に対する判決が下された。

In accordance with judicial precedents, a verdict was reached for this case.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Legal terminology (hanrei).

情報化社会の進展に従い、個人のプライバシー保護がより重要視されている。

With the advancement of the information society, the protection of individual privacy is being given more importance.

Using 'ni shitagai' to link complex societal concepts.

経済のグローバル化に従って、企業の競争は激化の一途を辿っている。

As the economy globalizes, corporate competition continues to intensify.

Noun + ni shitagatte. High-level economic analysis.

物理法則に従って、物体は運動を続ける。

Objects continue to move in accordance with the laws of physics.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Scientific principle.

民意の動向に従って、政策を修正する必要がある。

It is necessary to revise policies in accordance with the trends of public opinion.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Political strategy.

宇宙の膨張に従って、銀河間の距離は刻一刻と増大している。

As the universe expands, the distance between galaxies increases moment by moment.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Cosmological scale.

時代の要請に従って、憲法の解釈を再考する時期に来ている。

In accordance with the demands of the times, the time has come to reconsider the interpretation of the constitution.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Constitutional law/Philosophy.

自然界の摂理に従って、全ての生命は循環の中にある。

In accordance with the providence of nature, all life exists within a cycle.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Philosophical/Poetic.

市場の原理に従って価格が決定されるのは、資本主義の根幹である。

Price determination in accordance with market principles is the foundation of capitalism.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Macroeconomic theory.

歴史の必然に従って、その帝国は崩壊の道を歩んだ。

In accordance with historical inevitability, the empire trod the path to collapse.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Historiographical analysis.

美学的な基準に従って、その建築物は設計された。

The building was designed in accordance with aesthetic standards.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Architecture and Art theory.

論理の帰結に従って、我々はこの結論を導き出さざるを得ない。

Following the logical consequence, we have no choice but to derive this conclusion.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Formal logic.

生物の進化の過程に従って、多様な種が誕生した。

A wide variety of species were born in accordance with the process of biological evolution.

Noun + ni shitagatte. Biological science.

Common Collocations

指示に従って

規則に従って

法律に従って

計画に従って

時代の変化に従って

マニュアルに従って

成長に従って

命令に従って

慣習に従って

予定に従って

Common Phrases

指示に従って行動する

— To act in accordance with instructions given by someone in authority.

災害時は、警察の指示に従って行動してください。

ルールに従ってプレーする

— To play a game or sport while strictly following the established rules.

スポーツマンシップを持ち、ルールに従ってプレーしましょう。

時間の経過に従って

— As time passes; used to describe changes that occur over a period.

時間の経過に従って、傷跡は薄くなります。

マニュアルに従って操作する

— To operate a machine or software by following the provided user manual.

初心者は、マニュアルに従って操作することをお勧めします。

計画に従って実行する

— To carry out a task or project exactly as it was laid out in the plan.

プロジェクトを成功させるには、計画に従って実行することが重要だ。

法律に従って処理する

— To handle a matter or process a case according to the requirements of the law.

不法投棄は、法律に従って厳しく処理されます。

指示に従った結果

— The result of having followed specific instructions.

指示に従った結果、作業効率が大幅に向上した。

成長に従って変化する

— To change as one grows or develops (physically or mentally).

趣味は、子供の成長に従って変化するものです。

時代の要請に従って

— In response to the needs or demands of the current era.

時代の要請に従って、新しいサービスを開始した。

慣例に従って行う

— To perform an action following established custom or precedent.

新年の挨拶は、慣例に従って行われます。

Often Confused With

〜に従って vs 〜に連れて

Used only for natural, spontaneous changes. Cannot be used for rules.

〜に従って vs 〜によって

Means 'by' or 'depending on'. It doesn't imply a parallel change.

〜に従って vs 〜に沿って

Means 'along'. Used for paths or themes, not necessarily proportional change.

Idioms & Expressions

"流れに従う"

— To go with the flow; to follow the current trend or situation without resisting.

無理に逆らわず、時代の流れに従うことも大切だ。

Neutral

"意に従う"

— To obey someone's wishes or will.

彼は主人の意に従って、黙って働いた。

Formal

"道理に従う"

— To follow reason or common sense.

感情的にならず、道理に従って判断すべきだ。

Formal

"自然の摂理に従う"

— To follow the laws of nature; to accept the natural order of things.

老いを受け入れるのは、自然の摂理に従うことだ。

Literary

"慣習に従う"

— To follow the custom of a particular place or group.

郷に入っては郷に従えというように、その土地の慣習に従うべきだ。

Neutral

"命令に従う"

— To follow orders strictly.

兵士たちは、上官の命令に従って前進した。

Formal

"天命に従う"

— To follow one's destiny or the will of heaven.

人事を尽くして天命に従う。

Literary

"多数決に従う"

— To abide by the decision of the majority.

不満はあるが、多数決に従うことにした。

Neutral

"教えに従う"

— To follow the teachings of a mentor or a religion.

私は今でも、恩師の教えに従って生きている。

Formal

"本能に従う"

— To follow one's instincts.

動物は、ただ本能に従って行動している。

Neutral

Easily Confused

〜に従って vs 〜に従って vs 〜に連れて

Both mean 'as something happens.'

'Ni shitagatte' can be used for rules and intentional changes. 'Ni tsurete' is only for natural, one-way changes.

指示に従って (Correct) vs 指示に連れて (Incorrect).

〜に従って vs 〜に従って vs 〜によると

Both can be translated as 'according to.'

'Ni yoru to' is for citing a source of information. 'Ni shitagatte' is for following a rule or a change.

ニュースによると (According to the news [source]) vs ニュースに従って (According to the news [following their advice]).

〜に従って vs 〜に従って vs 〜に伴って

Both describe things happening together.

'Ni tomonatte' emphasizes accompaniment or a side effect. 'Ni shitagatte' emphasizes a logical progression or compliance.

開発に伴って (Accompanying the development) vs 開発が進むに従って (As development progresses).

〜に従って vs 〜に従って vs 〜通りに

Both mean following a guide.

'Toori ni' means following exactly, like a copy. 'Ni shitagatte' is about the general act of compliance.

手本通りに書く (Write exactly like the sample) vs 手本に従って書く (Write following the sample's guidance).

〜に従って vs 〜に従って vs 〜に基づいて

Both mean 'based on' or 'following.'

'Ni motozuite' means 'using something as a foundation/data.' 'Ni shitagatte' means following a rule or process.

データに基づいて (Based on data) vs 規則に従って (Following rules).

Sentence Patterns

Noun + に従って + Action

ルールに従って、ゲームをします。

Verb (Dict.) + に従って + Change

寒くなるに従って、風邪をひく人が増える。

Noun (Process) + に従って + Change

時間の経過に従って、空が暗くなった。

Noun + に従って + Noun (Modifier)

指示に従った行動が求められる。

Clause A + に従い、 + Clause B

景気が回復するに従い、雇用も安定してきた。

Abstract Noun + に従って + Logical Conclusion

判例に従って、無罪が確定した。

Scientific Law + に従って + Phenomenon

万有引力の法則に従って、リンゴは落ちる。

Philosophical Concept + に従って + Statement

自然の摂理に従って、生を全うする。

Word Family

Nouns

従順 (juujun) Obedience, docility.

主従 (shuju) Master and servant.

Verbs

従う (shitagau) To follow, obey.

従える (shitagaeru) To be accompanied by, to subdue.

Adjectives

従順な (juujun-na) Obedient, submissive.

追従 (tsuijuu) - Following, adulation.

服従 (fukujuu) - Obedience, submission.

随従 (zuijuu) - Following, attendance.

伴走 (bansou) - Running alongside.

同伴 (douhan) - Accompanying.

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in written Japanese, news, and formal spoken contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'wo' instead of 'ni'. → 規則に従って (Kisoku ni shitagatte)
The verb 'shitagau' requires the 'ni' particle to indicate what is being followed.
Using it for natural changes only. → Both rules and changes are okay.
Learners often think it's the same as 'ni tsurete'. It's broader.
Using past tense before 'ni shitagatte'. → Dictionary form only.
Even if the event happened in the past, the verb before 'ni shitagatte' stays in dictionary form.
Using it to cite a news source. → ニュースによると (Ni yoru to)
'Ni shitagatte' means you are following the news's advice, not just reporting what it said.
Using it for sudden, one-time changes. → Use 'node' or 'kara'.
'Ni shitagatte' requires a process or a continuing trend.

Tips

Verb Form Rule

Always use the dictionary form (u-form) of a verb before 'ni shitagatte'. Never use the past tense or polite form in this position.

Compliance vs. Correlation

Remember the two faces: 'Following a rule' and 'As A changes, B changes'. Both are equally common.

Business Etiquette

Use this phrase in emails when you want to show that you are acting according to a client's request. It sounds very professional.

Vs. Ni Tsurete

If the change is 'natural' (like aging), 'ni tsurete' is often preferred. If it's 'logical' or 'planned', 'ni shitagatte' is better.

The 'Ni' Particle

Don't forget the 'ni'! It's easy for English speakers to forget because we don't say 'according to to'.

Formal Linking

In essays, try using 'ni shitagai' to link two long thoughts. It keeps the flow without ending the sentence too early.

Station Announcements

Next time you are in a Japanese station, listen for 'shiji ni shitagatte'. It's a great real-world listening exercise.

The Shadow Trick

Visualize your shadow. It moves 'ni shitagatte' your own movements. This helps remember the 'following' and 'simultaneous' aspects.

Manuals and Terms

Scan the 'Terms and Conditions' on Japanese websites. You'll find 'ni shitagatte' everywhere!

Avoid Overuse

Don't use it for simple cause-and-effect. Use 'kara' or 'node' for that. 'Ni shitagatte' is for trends and rules.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'She-Taught-Gatte'. Imagine a teacher (She) who Taught you a rule, and you follow it 'Gatte' (Got it!).

Visual Association

Imagine a long line of ducklings following their mother. As the mother turns, the ducklings turn 'ni shitagatte'.

Word Web

Law (法律) Rule (規則) Follow (従う) As (〜に従って) Change (変化) Instructions (指示) Plan (計画) Therefore (従って)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about how your life changed as you learned Japanese. Use 'Nihongo ga jouzu ni naru ni shitagatte...' (As I get better at Japanese...).

Word Origin

The phrase comes from the verb 'shitagau' (従う), which has been part of the Japanese language since the Old Japanese period. The kanji '従' depicts a person following another person on a path.

Original meaning: To walk behind someone or to follow a leader's path.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too robotic. Using 'ni shitagatte' in a very casual setting with friends might make you sound like a textbook or a lawyer.

English speakers might use 'as' or 'according to' loosely, but Japanese speakers use 'ni shitagatte' to sound more formal and logical.

Used in the Japanese Constitution (Nihonkoku Kenpou) to describe following laws. Commonly heard in NHK News reports regarding economic trends. Found in the lyrics of songs describing the passage of time and changing feelings.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace Instructions

マニュアルに従って
上司の指示に従って
計画に従って進める
社内規定に従う

Describing Trends

需要の増加に従って
景気の回復に従って
技術の進歩に従って
時代の変化に従って

Natural Phenomena

台風の接近に従って
気温の上昇に従って
日が沈むに従って
季節の移り変わりに従って

Legal and Rules

法律に従って
校則に従って
契約の内容に従って
規約に従って同意する

Personal Growth

経験を積むに従って
成長に従って
理解が深まるに従って
練習を重ねるに従って

Conversation Starters

"最近、日本語が上手になるに従って、何か面白い発見はありましたか？ (As you've gotten better at Japanese lately, have you had any interesting discoveries?)"

"計画に従って旅行するのが好きですか、それとも自由に歩くのが好きですか？ (Do you like traveling according to a plan, or walking around freely?)"

"時代の変化に従って、私たちの生活はどう変わると思いますか？ (How do you think our lives will change as the times change?)"

"仕事でマニュアルに従うことは、どれくらい大切だと思いますか？ (How important do you think it is to follow the manual at work?)"

"年をとるに従って、趣味や考え方は変わりましたか？ (As you've gotten older, have your hobbies or ways of thinking changed?)"

Journal Prompts

日本語の勉強が進むに従って、感じている変化について書いてください。 (Write about the changes you feel as your Japanese studies progress.)

あなたが一番大切にしている「人生のルール」に従って行動した経験はありますか？ (Have you ever acted in accordance with a 'rule of life' that you value most?)

最近の技術の進歩に従って、便利になったことと不便になったことを比較してください。 (Compare things that have become convenient and inconvenient as technology has advanced recently.)

子供の頃から現在まで、成長に従って変わった自分の性格について書いてください。 (Write about your personality traits that have changed as you've grown from childhood to the present.)

理想のスケジュールに従って一日を過ごせたら、どんな日になりますか？ (If you could spend a day following your ideal schedule, what kind of day would it be?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but its meaning changes to 'Therefore' or 'Consequently.' For example: 'He didn't study. Shitagatte (Therefore), he failed.' This is very formal.

'Ni shitagatte' is the standard form used to connect clauses. 'Ni shitagai' is the 'ren'youkei' (stem) form, which is used in more formal writing or speeches to connect clauses without using 'te.' They mean the same thing, but 'ni shitagai' is more literary.

Not often. In casual speech, people prefer '〜たら' (tara), '〜と' (to), or '〜から' (kara). Using 'ni shitagatte' with friends might make you sound like you're reading a manual.

Only if you mean you are changing your behavior because of it. If you are just saying 'The forecast says it will rain,' use 'Tenki yohou ni yoru to.' If you are saying 'I took an umbrella according to the forecast,' you can use 'Tenki yohou ni shitagatte.'

No. It can also imply following a static rule or law (e.g., 'following the law'). However, when used with a verb, it almost always implies a change.

Usually, no. You should change the adjective into a verb form first, like 'samuku naru ni shitagatte' (as it becomes cold) instead of just 'samui ni shitagatte.'

It is typically introduced at the JLPT N3 level as a core grammar point, but its more formal and complex uses are tested at the N2 level.

No. The verb 'shitagau' always takes the particle 'ni' for the object being followed. 'Kisoku wo shitagau' is grammatically incorrect.

The most common opposite is 'ni hanshite' (against/contrary to). For example, 'kisoku ni hanshite' (against the rules).

Yes. It can be used for both positive and negative trends, such as 'as the economy gets worse' or 'as the population decreases.'