To align your actions with a rule, a person's authority, or a natural progression.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To obey orders or follow instructions.
- To act in accordance with rules or laws.
- To go along with a trend or natural flow.
Overview
- 1概要：従うは、対象となるもの（ルール、人、感情など）に対して、自分の行動や考えを合わせることを指す動詞です。自発的に合わせる場合もあれば、強制力に従う場合もあります。2) 使用パターン：名詞＋に＋従うという形が基本です。「命令に従う」「ルールに従う」「流れに従う」のように使います。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスシーンでの指示への服従、社会生活における法律や規則の遵守、あるいは感情や自然の成り行きに身を任せる場面で頻繁に使用されます。4) 類語との比較：『守る』はルールを破らないことに重点がありますが、『従う』はルールがあるからその通りに動くという『動作・対応』に重点があります。また、『応じる』は相手の要求に対してアクションを起こすというニュアンスが強く、『従う』は相手の支配下や決定に従属するニュアンスが強いです。
Examples
交通ルールに従う。
everydayFollow traffic rules.
上司の命令に従う。
formalObey the boss's orders.
心の声に従う。
informalFollow your heart.
マニュアルに従って操作する。
academicOperate according to the manual.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
指示に従う
Follow instructions
流れに従う
Go with the flow
心に従う
Follow one's heart
Often Confused With
Mamoru means to protect or to keep/observe (like a promise or rule). Shitagau focuses on the action of following a guide or authority.
Oujiru means to respond to a request or invitation. It is more about a reaction, whereas shitagau is about subordination to a rule or person.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'shitagau' in situations involving authority, rules, or established procedures. It is a formal verb that carries a sense of submission or compliance. Avoid using it for casual agreements or personal choices unless you are speaking metaphorically.
Common Mistakes
Students often use the particle 'o' instead of 'ni' with 'shitagau'. Remember that 'shitagau' requires the particle 'ni' to indicate the target being followed. Also, avoid using it to mean 'to agree' in casual conversation.
Tips
Think of it as alignment
Imagine a compass needle aligning with magnetic north. Using this imagery helps remember that 'shitagau' means aligning your actions with a specific direction or authority.
Avoid using for simple agreement
Do not use 'shitagau' if you simply agree with someone's opinion. Use 'sansei suru' instead, as 'shitagau' implies a power dynamic or a formal rule.
Respect for hierarchy
In Japanese culture, 'shitagau' is often associated with the virtue of respecting hierarchy and maintaining group harmony. It is a fundamental concept in business etiquette.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'shitagau', which originally meant to accompany or go along with someone. Over time, it evolved to include the nuance of conforming to rules or authority.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, 'shitagau' reflects the importance of group harmony (wa) and respect for seniority. It is not necessarily viewed as negative submission, but rather as necessary cooperation for a functional society.
Memory Tip
Think of 'She-tah-gow' (sounds like 'she-taught-go'). She taught me the rules, so now I go and follow them.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「守る」はルールを破らないという状態を指しますが、「従う」はルールに基づいて行動するというプロセスを強調します。命令に対しては「守る」よりも「従う」が自然です。
反対語は「逆らう（さからう）」です。命令や流れに抵抗する、あるいは意図的に従わないことを意味します。
はい、非常によく使われます。「計画に従って進める」のように、何かを基準にして行動する際に便利な表現です。
いいえ、ルールや自然の摂理など、人以外に対しても広く使われます。人に対して使う場合は、相手が自分より立場が上であるという含意が強くなります。
Test Yourself
彼は会社の規則___従った。
「従う」は対象を示す際に「に」を使います。
先生の指示に＿＿＿。
指示に対しては従うのが適切です。
指示 / 従う / に / べきだ
「指示に」が「従う」にかかります。
Score: /3
Summary
To align your actions with a rule, a person's authority, or a natural progression.
- To obey orders or follow instructions.
- To act in accordance with rules or laws.
- To go along with a trend or natural flow.
Think of it as alignment
Imagine a compass needle aligning with magnetic north. Using this imagery helps remember that 'shitagau' means aligning your actions with a specific direction or authority.
Avoid using for simple agreement
Do not use 'shitagau' if you simply agree with someone's opinion. Use 'sansei suru' instead, as 'shitagau' implies a power dynamic or a formal rule.
Respect for hierarchy
In Japanese culture, 'shitagau' is often associated with the virtue of respecting hierarchy and maintaining group harmony. It is a fundamental concept in business etiquette.
Examples
4 of 4交通ルールに従う。
Follow traffic rules.
上司の命令に従う。
Obey the boss's orders.
心の声に従う。
Follow your heart.
マニュアルに従って操作する。
Operate according to the manual.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More politics words
撤廃
B2The total abolition or removal of an established system, law, or restriction.
援助する
A2To assist; to help; to support.
訴える
A2To appeal; to sue; to complain.
容認
B2To approve, permit, or tolerate something, even if it is not ideal. It often implies a passive or reluctant acceptance of a situation.
逮捕する
A2To arrest. To seize someone by legal authority.
諮問
B2To refer a matter to an advisory body or an expert for their opinion or deliberation.
是正
B2To correct or rectify a wrong situation, inequality, or error. It is often used in official contexts like correcting social injustices or market imbalances.
腐敗
B2The decomposition of organic matter (biological) or the dishonest/fraudulent conduct by those in power (social). A common topic in IELTS essays about governance.
批判する
A2To criticize. To express disapproval of someone or something.
民主主義
A2Democracy. A system of government by the whole population.
