Depending on ( -에 따라 / -에 따라서 )
-에 따라(서) to link a changing result to a specific variable or objective standard.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -에 따라 to express that something changes or is decided based on a specific factor.
- Attach directly to nouns: 날씨에 따라 (depending on the weather).
- Use -에 따라서 for a slightly more formal, emphatic tone.
- Often followed by verbs like 다르다 (to be different) or 결정하다 (to decide).
Overview
The Korean grammar pattern -에 따라 / -에 따라서 (-e ttara / -e ttaraseo) is a crucial B2-level expression used to indicate that something depends on, is determined by, or occurs in accordance with another factor. It signifies a conditional relationship where the outcome or nature of one thing is variable, shifting based on another element. Mastering this pattern allows you to articulate nuanced dependencies, moving beyond simple cause-and-effect statements to reflect a deeper understanding of causality and contingency in Korean.
This enables more sophisticated and precise communication.
At its core, -에 따라(서) functions as a linguistic bridge, connecting a precedent or variable noun to a consequent action, state, or change. It explains why something is the way it is by referencing the influencing factor. Whether you are describing how plans fluctuate with circumstances, how product designs are guided by user feedback, or how cultural practices differ across regions, this grammar point is indispensable.
It represents a fundamental way Korean speakers express variability and responsiveness within complex systems, highlighting the dynamic interplay between elements.
How This Grammar Works
-e) and the verbal stem 따라- (ttara-) from the verb 따르다 (ttareuda), meaning 'to follow,' 'to comply with,' or 'to be dependent on.' When combined, -에 따라 literally translates to something like "following/complying with [noun]." The addition of -서 (-seo) in -에 따라서 functions as a connective suffix, similar to how it works in forms like -어서 (-eoseo) to indicate a reason or sequence. This 서 often lends a slightly more fluid or emphatic tone, especially in spoken Korean, though its inclusion is largely optional without significantly altering the core meaning.-에 따라(서) serves as the reference point, the condition, or the variable against which the subsequent clause is evaluated or determined. For instance, in 날씨에 따라 옷차림이 달라져요 (nalssie ttara otcharimi dallajyeoyo, "Clothing changes depending on the weather"), the weather (날씨) is the variable that dictates the choice of clothing.달라지다 (dallajida, to become different), 변하다 (byeonhada, to change), 결정되다 (gyeongjeongdoeda, to be decided), or 차이가 있다 (chaiga itda, to have a difference).-eume ttara) or -ㅁ에 따라 (-me ttara), which conveys a similar meaning but with a heightened sense of formality and often emphasizes a gradual or consequential progression.인구가 증가함에 따라 주택난이 심화되고 있다 (inguga jeunggahame ttara jutaeingnani simhwadoego itda, "As the population increases, housing shortages are intensifying").Formation Pattern
-에 따라 or -에 따라서 directly to any noun, regardless of its final consonant (batchim).
상황 (situation) | 상황에 따라(서) | sanghwange ttara(seo) | depending on the situation |
계절 (season) | 계절에 따라(서) | gyejeore ttara(seo) | depending on the season |
개인의 학습 속도는 학습 방식에 따라 다릅니다. (gaeinui hakseup sokdoneun hakseup bangsige ttara dareumnida.) — "An individual's learning speed differs depending on the learning method."
하다 (to do) | 하는지 | 하는지에 따라(서) | haneunji-e ttara(seo) | depending on whether one does |
좋다 (to be good) | 좋은지 | 좋은지에 따라(서) | joeunji-e ttara(seo) | depending on whether it's good |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹었는지 | 먹었는지에 따라(서) | meogeonneunji-e ttara(seo) | depending on whether one ate |
학생들이 무엇을 배우고 싶은지에 따라 교육 과정이 결정됩니다. (haksaengdeuri mueoseul baeugo sipeunji-e ttara gyoyuk gwajeongi gyeoljeongdoemnida.) — "The curriculum is decided depending on what students want to learn."
증가하다 (to increase) | 증가함 | 증가함에 따라(서) | jeunggahame ttara(seo) | as it increases / with the increase |
복잡하다 (to be complex) | 복잡함 | 복잡함에 따라(서) | bokjaphamme ttara(seo) | as it gets complex / with the complexity |
기술이 발전함에 따라 우리의 삶의 질도 향상되었습니다. (gisuri baljeonhame ttara uriui salmui jildo hyangsangdoeeotseumnida.) — "As technology developed, our quality of life also improved."
When To Use It
날씨에 따라 기분도 달라져요.(nalssie ttara gibundo dallajyeoyo.) — "My mood also changes depending on the weather."사람마다 취향에 따라 선호하는 디자인이 다릅니다.(saramada chwihyange ttara seonhohaneun dijaini dareumnida.) — "The preferred design differs for each person depending on their taste."
-에 따라(서) is appropriate. This usage often implies compliance or conformity.회사의 규정에 따라 업무를 처리해야 합니다.(hoesaui gyujeonge ttara eopmureul cheorihaeya hamnida.) — "You must process the work according to company regulations."법률에 따라서 모든 시민은 세금을 내야 합니다.(beomnyure ttaraseo modeun simineun segeumeul naeya hamnida.) — "According to the law, all citizens must pay taxes."
시간이 지남에 따라 모든 것이 변하기 마련입니다.(sigani jiname ttara modeun geosi byeonhagi maryeonimnida.) — "Everything is bound to change as time passes."경험이 쌓여감에 따라 업무 능력이 향상되었습니다.(gyeongheomi ssayeogame ttara eopmu neungryeogi hyangsangdoeeotseumnida.) — "As experience accumulated, my work ability improved."
-에 따라(서) is suitable. This is common in discussions about supply and demand, growth, or resource allocation.수요량에 따라 가격이 변동될 수 있습니다.(suyoryange ttara gyeogeogi byeondongdoel su itseumnida.) — "Prices can fluctuate depending on the quantity demanded."회사의 규모가 커짐에 따라 필요한 인력도 증가합니다.(hoesaui gyumoga keojime ttara piryohan illyeokdo jeunggahamnida.) — "As the company's size grows, the necessary workforce also increases."
Common Mistakes
-e uihaeseo)- -에 의해서: Indicates the agent or means by which a passive action is performed, highlighting who or what performed the action. Example:
이 건물은 유명한 건축가에 의해 설계되었습니다.(i geonmureun yumyeonghan geonchukgae uihae seolgyeodoeeotseumnida.) — "This building was designed by a famous architect." (Architect is the agent). - -에 따라(서): Indicates the standard, basis, or variable that influences a situation or outcome, highlighting what something depends on. Example:
건물의 용도에 따라 디자인이 달라집니다.(geunmurui yongdoe ttara dijaini dallajimnida.) — "The design changes depending on the building's purpose." (Purpose is the variable). - Key difference: If you can replace it with "by whom/what," use
-에 의해서. If you can replace it with "depending on/according to," use-에 따라(서).
-e ui hamyeon)- -에 의하면: Means "according to (a source)" and is used when reporting information based on a specific reference (news, book, person). It is about attribution. Example:
뉴스에 의하면 내일 비가 올 거라고 합니다.(nyuseu-e ui hamyeon naeil biga ol georago hamnida.) — "According to the news, it will rain tomorrow." - -에 따라(서): Describes how something changes or is determined by another factor. It is about contingency. Example:
비가 오는 것에 따라 계획을 바꿀 거예요.(biga oneun geose ttara gyehoegeul bakkul geoyeoyo.) — "I will change my plans depending on whether it rains." - Key difference: Use
-에 의하면when quoting a source. Use-에 따라(서)when a factor causes a change.
-gi nareumida)- -기 나름이다: Emphasizes that the outcome depends on how something is done, often implying effort, attitude, or choice, suggesting agency and control. Example:
성공은 노력하기 나름이다.(seonggongeun noryeokagi nareumida.) — "Success depends on how much effort you put in." (Implies your effort is the determining factor). - -에 따라(서): An objective statement of dependency on a variable, which may or may not be under one's control. Example:
성공 여부는 시장 상황에 따라 달라져요.(seonggong yeobuneun sijang sanghwange ttara dallajyeoyo.) — "The success or failure depends on the market situation." (Market situation is an external variable). - Key difference: If you want to highlight the individual's effort or approach, use
-기 나름이다. For objective dependency on a variable, use-에 따라(서).
- While
따르다(ttareuda) means 'to follow' physically, -에 따라(서) does not indicate physical following. For physical pursuit, use따라가다. Example:경찰이 도둑을 따라갔어요.(gyeongchari dodugeul ttaragatseoyo.) — "The police followed the thief." - Mistake: Applying the meaning of physical pursuit. Reserve
-에 따라(서)for abstract or conceptual dependencies.
- When using verbs or adjectives with
-에 따라(서), failing to convert them into a proper noun clause using the indirect question form (-(으)ㄴ/는지) or nominalization (-(으)ㅁ) is a common error. Example: Incorrect:가격이 비싸다에 따라 달라져요.Correct:가격이 비싼지에 따라 달라져요.(gyeogogi bissanjie ttara dallajyeoyo.) — "It depends on whether the price is expensive." - Mistake: Direct attachment of
-에 따라(서)to a verb or adjective stem. Remember that-에(the particle) attaches to a noun.
Real Conversations
-에 따라(서) is a highly versatile pattern appearing frequently in both spoken and written Korean, from casual chat to formal reports.
1. Casual Conversation / Texting (해체)
In informal settings, -에 따라서 is often shortened, and the sentence ending will be in casual 해체 (haeche) form.
- A: 오늘 저녁 뭐 먹지? (oneul jeonyeok mwo meokji?) — "What should we eat tonight?"
B
네가 먹고 싶은 거에 따라 달라. (nega meokgo sipeun geoe ttara dalla.) — "It depends on what you want to eat."- 주말 계획은 날씨에 따라 바뀔 수도 있어. (jumal gyehoegeun nalssie ttara bakgwil sudo isseo.) — "Weekend plans might change depending on the weather."
2. Work Emails / Professional Settings (합니다체)
In professional communication, you'll typically see formal 합니다체 (hamnida-che) endings. The -(으)ㅁ에 따라 form is also prevalent here for formal reports or announcements.
- 고객의 요청 사항에 따라 디자인을 수정하겠습니다. (gogaegeui yocheong sahange ttara dijaineul sujeonghagetseumnida.) — "We will revise the design according to the client's requests."
- 업무의 중요도에 따라서 우선순위를 정해 주십시오. (eopmuui jungyodo-e ttaraseo useonsunwireul jeonghae jusipsio.) — "Please set priorities depending on the importance of the task."
- 정부 정책이 변경됨에 따라 새로운 규정이 적용될 예정입니다. (jeongbu jeongchaegi byeongyeongdoeme ttara saeroun gyujeongi jeogyongdoel yejeongimnida.) — "New regulations are expected to be applied as government policy changes." (Formal -(으)ㅁ에 따라).
3. Social Media / Online Forums
Here, the language can range from casual to semi-formal, blending elements of both, and often using more expressive phrasing.
- 어떤 자료를 참고하는지에 따라 해석이 달라질 수 있습니다. (eotteon jaryoreul chamgohaneunji-e ttara haeseogi dallajil su itseumnida.) — "The interpretation can differ depending on what data you refer to."
- 해외여행 경비는 어느 나라를 가는지, 숙소는 어떤지에 따라 천차만별이에요. (haeoeyeohaeng gyeongbineun eoneu narareul ganeunji, suksoneun eotteonji-e ttara cheonchamanbyeoriyeyo.) — "Overseas travel expenses vary widely depending on which country you go to and what kind of accommodation it is."
Quick FAQ
-e ttara) and -에 따라서 (-e ttaraseo) convey the same core meaning of "depending on" or "according to." The inclusion of -서 (-seo) often adds a slightly more fluid or emphatic feel, especially in spoken Korean. It's a subtle stylistic choice rather than a grammatical distinction.-에 따라 might be marginally preferred for conciseness, but they are largely interchangeable.-에 따라(서) to establish the conditional context upfront, especially in written Korean or formal speech.상황에 따라서 결정이 달라질 수 있습니다.(sanghwange ttaraseo gyeoljeongi dallajil su itseumnida.) — "Depending on the situation, the decision can change."
부주의에 따라 사고가 발생할 수 있습니다.(bujuui-e ttara sagoga balsaenghal su itseumnida.) — "Accidents can occur depending on carelessness."
상황 (situation), 기준 (standard), or 결과 (result).시간이 경과함에 따라 자료가 더 많이 축적되었습니다.(sigani gyeonggwahame ttara jaryoga deo mani chukjeokdoeeotseumnida.) — "As time passed, more data accumulated." (Formal, written)
-에 따라(서) can also express progression, -(으)ㅁ에 따라 inherently carries a stronger sense of formal cause-and-effect or continuous development.-e uigeohayeo) meaning "based on," "in reliance on," implies strict adherence to a rule. Example: 관련 법규에 의거하여 처벌이 결정됩니다. (gwanryeon beopgyu-e uigeohayeo cheobeori gyeoljeongdoemnida.) — "Punishment is determined based on related laws and regulations." These are typically encountered at C1-C2 levels due to their specialized usage.Formation Table
| Noun | Particle | Combined Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
날씨
|
에 따라
|
날씨에 따라
|
Depending on weather
|
|
사람
|
에 따라
|
사람에 따라
|
Depending on person
|
|
상황
|
에 따라
|
상황에 따라
|
Depending on situation
|
|
규정
|
에 따라
|
규정에 따라
|
According to rules
|
|
취향
|
에 따라
|
취향에 따라
|
According to taste
|
|
계획
|
에 따라
|
계획에 따라
|
According to plan
|
Meanings
Indicates that the following action or state varies or is determined by the preceding noun.
Variation/Correlation
Things change based on the condition.
“개인의 취향에 따라 선택하세요.”
“상황에 따라 대처 방법이 다릅니다.”
Basis for Decision
Something is decided based on a rule or factor.
“규정에 따라 처리하겠습니다.”
“법에 따라 처벌받을 수 있습니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 에 따라
|
상황에 따라 달라요.
|
|
Emphatic
|
Noun + 에 따라서
|
규정에 따라서 처리해요.
|
|
Past
|
Noun + 에 따라 + Verb(past)
|
계획에 따라 진행했어요.
|
|
Future
|
Noun + 에 따라 + Verb(future)
|
날씨에 따라 결정할 거예요.
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 에 따라 + Verb?
|
취향에 따라 선택할까요?
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + 에 따라 + Negative Verb
|
상황에 따라 다르지 않아요.
|
Formality Spectrum
상황에 따라 다릅니다. (General conversation)
상황에 따라 달라요. (General conversation)
상황에 따라 달라. (General conversation)
상황 나름이지. (General conversation)
Dependency Map
Factors
- 날씨 Weather
- 사람 Person
- 상황 Situation
Usage Comparison
Decision Flow
Is there a factor?
Common Categories
Contexts
- • Business
- • Daily Life
- • Legal
- • Academic
Examples by Level
날씨에 따라 달라요.
It depends on the weather.
사람에 따라 달라요.
It depends on the person.
시간에 따라 달라요.
It depends on the time.
기분에 따라 달라요.
It depends on the mood.
가격은 크기에 따라 다릅니다.
The price is different depending on the size.
취향에 따라 선택하세요.
Choose according to your taste.
상황에 따라 다릅니다.
It differs depending on the situation.
나이에 따라 달라요.
It depends on the age.
규정에 따라 처리해야 합니다.
It must be handled according to the regulations.
개인의 노력에 따라 결과가 달라집니다.
Results vary depending on individual effort.
법에 따라 처벌을 받습니다.
You will be punished according to the law.
계획에 따라서 진행하겠습니다.
We will proceed according to the plan.
수요와 공급에 따라 가격이 변동됩니다.
Prices fluctuate depending on supply and demand.
문화적 배경에 따라 해석이 달라질 수 있습니다.
Interpretations may vary depending on cultural background.
정책 변화에 따라 대응 방안을 마련해야 합니다.
We must prepare countermeasures according to policy changes.
환경에 따라 생태계가 적응합니다.
The ecosystem adapts according to the environment.
관점에 따라 사안을 다르게 평가할 수 있습니다.
One can evaluate the matter differently depending on the perspective.
시대적 요구에 따라 언어는 진화합니다.
Language evolves according to the demands of the era.
개인의 가치관에 따라 삶의 방향이 결정됩니다.
The direction of life is determined according to individual values.
기술적 진보에 따라 산업 구조가 재편되고 있습니다.
The industrial structure is being reorganized according to technological progress.
역사적 맥락에 따라 그 의미가 상이하게 해석되곤 합니다.
Its meaning is often interpreted differently depending on the historical context.
개별적 특수성에 따라 적용되는 원칙이 달라야 합니다.
The principles applied must vary according to individual particularities.
심리적 기제에 따라 인간의 행동 양식이 결정됩니다.
Human behavioral patterns are determined according to psychological mechanisms.
사회적 합의에 따라 제도가 점진적으로 개선되고 있습니다.
The system is being gradually improved according to social consensus.
Easily Confused
Both are used for 'according to'.
Learners mix up 'about' and 'depending on'.
Both imply following something.
Common Mistakes
가다에 따라
가는 것에 따라
날씨를 따라
날씨에 따라
날씨에 따라서요
날씨에 따라
날씨에 따라가다
날씨에 따라 달라요
사람에 대해 달라요
사람에 따라 달라요
상황에 따라요
상황에 따라 달라요
취향에 따라서 선택해요
취향에 따라 선택해요
규정에 의하면 처리해요
규정에 따라 처리해요
계획에 따라가요
계획에 따라 진행해요
노력에 따라 결과가 좋아요
노력에 따라 결과가 달라요
관점에 따라 사안이 다릅니다
관점에 따라 사안을 다르게 평가합니다
시대에 따라 진화합니다
시대적 요구에 따라 진화합니다
가치관에 따라 삶이 결정됩니다
가치관에 따라 삶의 방향이 결정됩니다
Sentence Patterns
___에 따라 달라요.
___에 따라 선택하세요.
___에 따라 처리하겠습니다.
___에 따라 결과가 달라집니다.
Real World Usage
주문량에 따라 배달 시간이 달라집니다.
피부 타입에 따라 추천템이 달라요!
상황에 따라 유연하게 대처합니다.
날씨에 따라 일정이 변경될 수 있습니다.
기분에 따라 다르지 뭐.
연구 목적에 따라 방법론이 달라집니다.
Noun Only
Don't Overuse
Formal Variation
Polite Speech
Smart Tips
Use -에 따라서 instead of -에 따라 for a more polished, formal tone in reports.
If you need to use a verb, add -는 것 to turn it into a noun.
If you mean 'about', use -에 대해. If you mean 'depending on', use -에 따라.
Pair -에 따라 with verbs like 다르다 (differ) or 결정하다 (decide) for maximum clarity.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄹ' in 따라 is pronounced clearly.
Statement
상황에 따라 달라요 ↘
Neutral declarative tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '에 따라' as a 'tether'—the result is tied to the noun.
Visual Association
Imagine a puppet (the result) attached to a string (에 따라) held by a person (the noun). When the person moves, the puppet moves.
Rhyme
Noun plus 에 따라, the outcome will vary, just like a fairy.
Story
Min-su is planning a picnic. He says, '날씨에 따라 (depending on weather) we will go to the park.' His friend says, '규정에 따라 (according to rules) we can't bring dogs.' Min-su sighs, '상황에 따라 (depending on the situation) plans change!'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using '...에 따라 달라요'.
Cultural Notes
Using -에 따라 in reports shows logical precision.
Using it when discussing food tastes is very common.
It is the standard way to cite rules.
Derived from the noun '따라' (following/according to).
Conversation Starters
오늘 날씨 어때요?
한국 음식 좋아하세요?
업무 계획이 어떻게 되나요?
사회적 변화에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
날씨___ 달라요.
Select the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
가다에 따라 다릅니다.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
It depends on the price.
Answer starts with: 가격에...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '나이' and '다르다'.
Select the formal version.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises날씨___ 달라요.
Select the correct sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
가다에 따라 다릅니다.
다릅니다 / 상황에 / 따라 / 상황에
It depends on the price.
Match correctly.
Use '나이' and '다르다'.
Select the formal version.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercises[사람에 따라] [생각이] [다를 수] [있어요].
Depending on the country, the culture is different.
Match the following:
능력___ 연봉이 결정됩니다.
Select the correct phrase:
시간을 따라 세상이 변해요.
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
No, you must turn the verb into a noun form first (e.g., -는 것에 따라).
They are functionally the same, but -에 따라서 is slightly more formal and emphatic.
Use -에 의하면 when citing a source of information, not for causal dependency.
Yes, it is very common for expressing personal preferences and situational differences.
Yes, it is excellent for explaining how you handle different situations professionally.
Attaching it directly to a verb stem instead of a noun.
No, it is consistent regardless of the noun's ending.
Yes, it works well with future tense verbs (e.g., 날씨에 따라 결정할 거예요).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
～によって
Both are used for dependency and causality.
selon
Korean -에 따라 is more flexible for causal variation.
según
Korean structure is strictly noun-based.
je nach
German is a prepositional phrase.
根据
Korean is a post-positional particle.
بناءً على
Korean is a suffix, Arabic is a prepositional phrase.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Related Grammar Rules
No choice but to... (-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다` is a powerful expression of inevitability. It conveys that du...
Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
Overview Korean, like English, distinguishes between habitual or general actions and actions that are actively in progre...
To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)
Overview Korean grammar employs `-(ㄹ/을) 대로` to express that a state or action has reached its absolute **utmost limi...
Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)
Overview At the B2 CEFR level in Korean, you're moving beyond basic sentence construction to express nuanced ideas, subt...
Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다
Overview `-(으)ㄹ 법하다` is a Korean grammar pattern that expresses a logical likelihood, plausibility, or reasonable e...
