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에 따라

A2 phrase 9 min read

에 따라

e ttara

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 에 따라 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 에 따라 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to connect simple ideas. '에 따라' (e ttara) might seem a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a way to say 'depending on.' For example, 'Depending on the day, I am busy' or 'Depending on the weather, it is cold.' At this stage, you only need to know that you put a noun in front of it. It's like saying 'Noun + depends.' You will mostly see it with simple words like '날씨' (weather), '사람' (person), and '시간' (time). It helps you explain that things are not always the same. Instead of just saying 'It is hot,' you can say '날씨에 따라 달라요' (It's different depending on the weather). This makes your Korean sound much more natural and less like a textbook robot. Just remember: Noun + 에 따라.

At the A2 level, you can use '에 따라' to follow instructions and describe simple rules. This is where you start using it with words like '규칙' (rules), '계획' (plan), and '순서' (order). You can now say things like 'Please do it according to the plan' (계획에 따라 하세요). You are also learning that the world isn't black and white—things change! Use '에 따라' to describe these variations. For instance, 'The price is different depending on the size' (크기에 따라 가격이 달라요). This is a very common sentence structure in Korean markets or restaurants. You should also recognize that '에 따라서' means the exact same thing. Don't let the extra '서' confuse you; it just makes it sound a little more complete. Focus on using it with '달라요' (is different) to express variety in your life.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '에 따라' in more professional and social contexts. You can use it to cite standards, such as 'According to the law' (법에 따라) or 'According to the results' (결과에 따라). You will also start encountering the verbal form '-느냐에 따라.' This allows you to say 'Depending on whether/how [verb]...' For example, 'Depending on how much you study, your grade changes' (얼마나 공부하느냐에 따라 성적이 달라요). This is a big step up because it lets you talk about actions as conditions. You should also be careful not to confuse '에 따라' with '에 의하면.' Remember: '에 의하면' is for quoting what you heard (like the news), while '에 따라' is for following a standard or showing variation. You can now use this phrase to participate in more complex discussions about society and personal habits.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '에 따라' with abstract concepts and in formal writing. You will see it in news articles, reports, and essays. It is used to show correlations, such as 'As the economy grows, consumption patterns change' (경제 성장에 따라 소비 패턴이 변합니다). Here, '에 따라' functions like 'as' or 'in accordance with the progression of.' You should also be able to use it with complex nouns like '취지' (intent), '지침' (guidelines), and '변수' (variables). In debates, you can use it to qualify your statements: '상황에 따라 다를 수 있지만...' (It can be different depending on the situation, but...). This shows you understand the nuances of Korean logic. You should also be aware of how it interacts with passive verbs like '결정되다' (to be decided) and '좌우되다' (to be influenced/controlled).

At the C1 level, '에 따라' becomes a tool for precise legal, academic, and literary expression. You will encounter it in the Korean Civil Code, where laws are applied '에 따라.' You should understand the subtle difference between '에 따라' and '에 기하여' (based upon/by virtue of), the latter being even more formal. You can use '에 따라' to describe intricate philosophical dependencies, such as 'How one views the world changes according to their cultural background' (문화적 배경에 따라 세계관이 달라집니다). You should also be proficient in using it within long, nested sentences without losing the logical thread. At this level, you are not just using the phrase; you are using it to structure complex arguments and demonstrate a high level of linguistic sophistication. You should also recognize its use in classical or formal literature where it might follow archaic noun forms.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '에 따라' and all its stylistic variations. You can distinguish between its use as a simple conditional and its use as a tool for rhetorical emphasis. You might use it in a speech to show how a nation's destiny follows its people's will (국민의 뜻에 따라). You are comfortable with it in any domain—be it scientific research papers explaining variable correlations, high-level political discourse regarding international treaties, or poetic prose describing the changing of seasons. You understand how the omission or inclusion of '서' can subtly shift the tone of a sentence from clinical to narrative. You can also identify when '에 따라' is being used ironically or to subvert expectations in contemporary literature. Your usage is seamless, accurate, and contextually perfect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

에 따라 in 30 Seconds

Used to show dependency: something changes depending on a noun.
Used for following standards: acting according to rules or plans.
Interchangeable with '에 따라서' for slight emphasis or formality.
Essential for describing correlations and variations in all levels of Korean.

The Korean phrase 에 따라 (e ttara) is a foundational grammatical construct used to express that one situation or action changes, is determined by, or follows the standard of another noun. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'according to,' 'depending on,' or 'in accordance with.' It is derived from the verb 따르다 (ttareuda), which means 'to follow' or 'to obey.' When you attach the particle 에 to a noun and follow it with the connector form 따라, you create a logical bridge that shows a relationship of conformity or dependency.

Core Concept: Dependency and Variation: It indicates that the outcome described in the second half of the sentence varies based on the noun that precedes the phrase.

사람에 따라 생각이 달라요. (Thoughts differ depending on the person.)

This expression is incredibly versatile and appears in almost every register of Korean, from casual daily conversations to highly formal legal documents. In a casual setting, you might use it to talk about how your mood changes depending on the weather. In a professional setting, it is used to cite regulations, laws, or data. It provides a more sophisticated way to link ideas than simply using 'and' or 'if.' By using 에 따라, you are explicitly stating that there is a standard or a variable at play.

Usage Scenario: Rules: When following instructions or laws. Example: 규칙에 따라 (According to the rules).

계획에 따라 진행하세요. (Please proceed according to the plan.)

Furthermore, 에 따라 is essential for expressing proportions or changes over time. For example, 'As time goes by' or 'As the population increases' can be phrased using this structure to show a direct correlation between the noun and the resulting action. It is the linguistic glue for cause-and-effect relationships where the cause is a specific standard or condition.

Usage Scenario: Variation: When something changes based on a condition. Example: 날씨에 따라 (Depending on the weather).

상황에 따라 결정할게요. (I will decide depending on the situation.)

노력하느냐에 따라 결과가 달라요. (Results vary depending on how much you effort you put in.)

Using 에 따라 correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement. It always follows a noun. The structure is simple: [Noun] + 에 따라. Unlike some Korean particles that change based on whether the noun ends in a consonant or a vowel, 에 따라 remains constant. This makes it a very learner-friendly phrase once you grasp its meaning.

The Basic Formula: Noun + 에 따라 + [Resulting Clause]. The resulting clause often contains verbs like '달라지다' (to change), '결정되다' (to be decided), or '행동하다' (to act).

법률에 따라 처벌받습니다. (Punished according to the law.)

When you want to express a correlation between two changing states, you often use 에 따라 with nouns that imply progression, such as '시간' (time), '수준' (level), or '시대' (era). For example, as the level of difficulty increases, the time required might also increase. This creates a 'proportional' meaning similar to 'as' in English.

취향에 따라 골라 보세요. (Please choose according to your taste.)

Another important aspect is the usage of 에 따라 in reporting or citing sources. While 에 의하면 is more common for saying 'According to the news,' 에 따라 can be used when the source provides a set of guidelines or a systematic framework that is being followed. For instance, if you are following a recipe, you would use '레시피에 따라' (according to the recipe).

Advanced Nuance: When you want to emphasize the 'result' of following a path, the ending '-에 따라서' is slightly more natural. It emphasizes that the first part is the reason for the following state.

지시에 따라 움직이세요. (Move according to the instructions.)

In summary, whether you are describing a personal preference, a legal requirement, or a natural phenomenon, 에 따라 serves as the primary tool to show that the 'what' or 'how' of an action is governed by a specific 'standard' or 'condition.' Mastering this allows you to move beyond simple subject-verb-object sentences into more complex, conditional reasoning.

You will encounter 에 따라 in a vast array of contexts in Korea, ranging from the mundane to the highly official. If you are watching the news, you will hear it constantly. News anchors use it to cite government policies, economic trends, or weather forecasts. For example, '정부 방침에 따라' (according to government policy) is a phrase that appears in almost every news cycle regarding public health, taxes, or education.

Context: Public Announcements: In subways or buses, you might hear announcements like '안전 수칙에 따라' (according to safety regulations). It establishes the authority behind the instruction.

기상 조건에 따라 비행기가 지연될 수 있습니다. (Flights may be delayed depending on weather conditions.)

In the workplace, 에 따라 is the standard for discussing project management and hierarchies. When a manager gives a task, they might say '매뉴얼에 따라' (according to the manual). It removes personal bias and points to an objective standard. Similarly, during performance reviews, one might hear '성과에 따라 성과급이 지급됩니다' (Bonuses are paid according to performance).

개인차에 따라 효과가 다를 수 있습니다. (The effect may vary depending on individual differences.)

Socially, Koreans use this phrase to express cultural nuances and flexibility. If you ask a Korean friend which restaurant is good, they might respond with '입맛에 따라 다르지만...' (It depends on your taste, but...). This shows a respect for subjectivity. It is also used when discussing age-based etiquette: '나이에 따라 호칭이 달라요' (Titles change according to age), which is a crucial aspect of Korean social structure.

Context: Shopping and Services: When shopping, you'll see signs like '무게에 따라 가격이 다릅니다' (Price varies according to weight).

지역에 따라 배송비가 추가됩니다. (Shipping fees are added depending on the region.)

Finally, in academic or scientific writing, 에 따라 is used to describe variables. '온도 변화에 따라' (according to the change in temperature) or '농도에 따라' (depending on the concentration). It is the bread and butter of technical Korean, allowing researchers to describe correlations with precision.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 에 따라 is confusing it with 에 의하면. While both can be translated as 'according to' in English, their usage is distinct. 에 의하면 is strictly used for quoting a source of information (like a book, a person, or the news) to indicate where you heard something. 에 따라, on the other hand, is used when something is actually changing or being governed by that noun. If you say '뉴스에 따라 비가 와요,' it sounds like the rain is following the news's orders. You should say '뉴스에 의하면 비가 온대요' (According to the news, it's supposed to rain).

Confusion with '에 의해서': Learners often mix this up with '에 의해서' (by/due to). '에 의해서' focuses on the agent or the cause of a passive action. '에 따라' focuses on the standard or the condition that dictates the outcome.

Incorrect: 기분에 의하면 쇼핑을 해요. (By means of my mood, I shop? - Incorrect sense)
Correct: 기분에 따라 쇼핑을 해요. (I shop depending on my mood.)

Another common error involves the misuse of particles. Some students try to use 를 따라 instead of 에 따라. While 를 따라 is a valid phrase, it means 'following [something/someone]' in a physical or literal sense, like '길을 따라 걷다' (walking along/following the road). When you are talking about abstract standards or dependencies, 에 is the mandatory particle.

Furthermore, learners sometimes use 에 따라 when they actually mean 'because of' (때문에). While there is a subtle causal link in '에 따라,' it is not a direct cause-effect relationship. It's about a standard. If you want to say 'I couldn't go because of the rain,' use '비 때문에.' If you want to say 'The schedule changes depending on the rain,' use '비에 따라.'

Mistake: Over-formalizing: Using '에 따라서' in very casual texting can sometimes feel a bit stiff. In casual speech, people often shorten things or use '-(으)니까' patterns if they just mean 'since' or 'because.'

Wrong: 친구에 따라 영화가 좋아요. (According to my friend, the movie is good? - No, use '에 의하면')
Right: 친구 말에 의하면 영화가 재밌대요. (According to what my friend said, the movie is fun.)

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for 에 따라 will help you fine-tune your Korean and sound more natural in different contexts. The most common alternative is 에 따라서, which we've noted is nearly identical but carries a slightly more formal or emphatic weight. However, there are other expressions that overlap in meaning but serve different purposes.

에 의하면 (According to - Source): Used when citing a source of information. '뉴스에 의하면' (According to the news). Unlike '에 따라,' it doesn't imply that the news is causing a change, just that it's the source of the report.

조사 결과에 의하면 소비가 늘었습니다. (According to the survey results, consumption increased.)

Another similar expression is 에 맞춰서 (in accordance with / in tune with). This is used when you are adjusting something to fit a certain standard or rhythm. While '에 따라' is 'following,' '에 맞춰서' is 'matching.' For example, '음악에 맞춰서 춤을 춰요' (Dance in time with the music). Using '에 따라' here would imply you are following the music's instructions, while '에 맞춰서' implies synchronization.

-(으)로 인해 (Due to / As a result of): This is a more formal way of saying 'because of.' It focuses on the cause. '폭우로 인해' (Due to heavy rain). '에 따라' would be used if the *type* of rain changed the outcome, whereas '로 인해' just says the rain caused it.

In more advanced contexts, you might see -을/를 토대로 (based on) or -을/를 바탕으로 (on the foundation of). These are used when the noun is the groundwork for a theory, a story, or a project. While '에 따라' implies a dynamic following, these imply a static foundation. For example, '사실을 바탕으로' (based on facts).

기준에 따라 분류합니다. (Classify according to the criteria.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The verb '따르다' is also used for pouring liquid (like tea or alcohol), which metaphorically relates to the liquid 'following' the shape of the container or the path of the pour.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /e̞ t͈a.ɾa/

US /e̞ t͈ɑ.rɑ/

Stress is usually even, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the first syllable of '따라'.

Rhymes With

나라 (nara - country) 따라 (ttara - follow) 자라 (jara - grow) 바라 (bara - wish) 사라 (sara - buy) 가라 (gara - go) 하라 (hara - do) 차라 (chara - kick)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '따라' as '다라' (not tensing the double consonant).
Aspirating the 'tt' like 't' in 'top' (it should be tense like 'stop').
Mixing up the 'r' sound with a hard English 'L'.
Over-emphasizing the 'e' particle.
Mumbling the 'a' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it always follows a noun.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of when to use it vs '에 의하면'.

Speaking 3/5

Natural usage requires practice with common collocations.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

따르다 (to follow) 에 (particle) 다르다 (to be different) 변하다 (to change) 규칙 (rule)

Learn Next

에 의하면 (according to source) 에 의해서 (by means of) 에 비해서 (compared to) -(으)ㅁ에 따라 (advanced grammar) -느냐에 따라 (conditional grammar)

Advanced

에 기하여 에 입각하여 에 부합하여 을/를 토대로 을/를 바탕으로

Grammar to Know

-느냐에 따라

어디에 가느냐에 따라 옷차림이 달라요.

-(으)ㅁ에 따라

인구가 증가함에 따라 주택 문제가 심각해졌다.

에 따른 (Adjectival)

비만에 따른 질병이 늘고 있다.

에 따라서 (Emphatic)

결과에 따라서 상금이 달라집니다.

Noun + 대로

약속대로 정시에 도착했습니다.

Examples by Level

날씨에 따라 기분이 달라요.

My mood changes depending on the weather.

날씨 (weather) + 에 따라

사람에 따라 생각이 달라요.

Thoughts are different depending on the person.

사람 (person) + 에 따라

시간에 따라 가격이 달라요.

The price is different depending on the time.

시간 (time) + 에 따라

요일에 따라 메뉴가 달라요.

The menu is different depending on the day of the week.

요일 (day of the week) + 에 따라

나라에 따라 인사가 달라요.

Greetings are different depending on the country.

나라 (country) + 에 따라

계절에 따라 옷이 달라요.

Clothes are different depending on the season.

계절 (season) + 에 따라

기분에 따라 노래를 들어요.

I listen to music depending on my mood.

기분 (mood) + 에 따라

나이에 따라 키가 달라요.

Height is different depending on age.

나이 (age) + 에 따라

계획에 따라 진행해 주세요.

Please proceed according to the plan.

계획 (plan) + 에 따라

규칙에 따라 게임을 해요.

Play the game according to the rules.

규칙 (rules) + 에 따라

순서에 따라 줄을 서세요.

Please stand in line according to the order.

순서 (order) + 에 따라

크기에 따라 상자가 필요해요.

Depending on the size, you need a box.

크기 (size) + 에 따라

지시에 따라 버튼을 누르세요.

Press the button according to the instructions.

지시 (instructions) + 에 따라

상황에 따라 결정할게요.

I will decide depending on the situation.

상황 (situation) + 에 따라

성적에 따라 장학금을 받아요.

Scholarships are received according to grades.

성적 (grades) + 에 따라

취향에 따라 설탕을 넣으세요.

Add sugar according to your taste.

취향 (taste/preference) + 에 따라

조사 결과에 따라 대책을 세워야 합니다.

We must establish measures according to the survey results.

조사 결과 (survey results) + 에 따라

법률에 따라 처벌을 받을 수 있습니다.

You can be punished according to the law.

법률 (law) + 에 따라

노력하느냐에 따라 성공이 결정됩니다.

Success is decided depending on how hard you work.

노력하느냐 (whether you try) + 에 따라

유행에 따라 옷 스타일이 변해요.

Clothing styles change according to the trend.

유행 (trend) + 에 따라

능력에 따라 연봉이 다릅니다.

Salary is different according to ability.

능력 (ability) + 에 따라

기준에 따라 물건을 분류하세요.

Classify the items according to the criteria.

기준 (criteria) + 에 따라

예산에 따라 여행지를 정합시다.

Let's decide the travel destination according to the budget.

예산 (budget) + 에 따라

상황에 따라서 계획이 바뀔 수도 있어요.

The plan might change depending on the situation.

상황 (situation) + 에 따라서 (emphatic)

경제 성장률에 따라 금리가 변동됩니다.

Interest rates fluctuate according to the economic growth rate.

경제 성장률 (economic growth rate) + 에 따라

정부 방침에 따라 방역 수칙이 강화되었습니다.

Quarantine rules have been strengthened according to government policy.

정부 방침 (government policy) + 에 따라

심리 상태에 따라 색채 인지가 달라질 수 있습니다.

Color perception can vary depending on one's psychological state.

심리 상태 (psychological state) + 에 따라

수요와 공급에 따라 가격이 형성됩니다.

Prices are formed according to supply and demand.

수요와 공급 (supply and demand) + 에 따라

개인차에 따라 약의 효과가 다르게 나타납니다.

The effect of the medicine appears differently depending on individual differences.

개인차 (individual difference) + 에 따라

시대의 흐름에 따라 가치관도 변하기 마련입니다.

Values are bound to change according to the flow of the times.

시대의 흐름 (flow of the times) + 에 따라

근거 자료에 따라 논리를 전개해야 합니다.

Logic must be developed according to the supporting data.

근거 자료 (supporting data) + 에 따라

환경 변화에 따라 동식물의 생태가 변합니다.

The ecology of flora and fauna changes according to environmental changes.

환경 변화 (environmental change) + 에 따라

헌법 정신에 따라 국민의 기본권을 보장해야 한다.

Basic rights of citizens must be guaranteed according to the spirit of the Constitution.

헌법 정신 (spirit of the constitution) + 에 따라

단백질의 구조는 아미노산 서열에 따라 결정된다.

The structure of a protein is determined according to the amino acid sequence.

아미노산 서열 (amino acid sequence) + 에 따라

작가의 의도에 따라 작품의 해석이 무궁무진하다.

Interpretations of a work are endless depending on the author's intention.

작가의 의도 (author's intention) + 에 따라

소득 수준에 따라 세금 징수율이 차등 적용됩니다.

Tax collection rates are applied differentially according to income level.

소득 수준 (income level) + 에 따라

역사적 맥락에 따라 단어의 의미가 재정의되기도 한다.

The meaning of words is sometimes redefined according to historical context.

역사적 맥락 (historical context) + 에 따라

기상 관측 데이터에 따라 태풍의 경로를 예측합니다.

The path of the typhoon is predicted according to meteorological observation data.

기상 관측 데이터 (meteorological data) + 에 따라

기업의 경영 철학에 따라 조직 문화가 형성됩니다.

Organizational culture is formed according to the company's management philosophy.

경영 철학 (management philosophy) + 에 따라

유전적 요인에 따라 발병 확률이 달라질 수 있습니다.

The probability of disease onset can vary depending on genetic factors.

유전적 요인 (genetic factor) + 에 따라

대의명분에 따라 행동하는 것이 지도자의 자질이다.

Acting according to a great cause is the quality of a leader.

대의명분 (a great cause) + 에 따라

우주의 섭리에 따라 만물은 순환하기 마련이다.

All things are bound to circulate according to the providence of the universe.

우주의 섭리 (providence of the universe) + 에 따라

인과응보의 법칙에 따라 악행은 대가를 치르게 된다.

Evil deeds will pay the price according to the law of karma.

인과응보의 법칙 (law of karma) + 에 따라

사회 계약설에 따라 국가의 권력은 국민으로부터 나온다.

According to the social contract theory, the power of the state comes from the people.

사회 계약설 (social contract theory) + 에 따라

미적 기준은 시대와 문화에 따라 끊임없이 변모한다.

Aesthetic standards constantly transform according to time and culture.

시대와 문화 (time and culture) + 에 따라

시장 원리에 따라 자원의 효율적 배분이 이루어진다.

Efficient allocation of resources takes place according to market principles.

시장 원리 (market principles) + 에 따라

조약의 규정에 따라 양국은 상호 협력을 강화하기로 했다.

The two countries decided to strengthen mutual cooperation according to the provisions of the treaty.

조약의 규정 (provisions of the treaty) + 에 따라

인간의 존엄성이라는 가치에 따라 법률이 해석되어야 한다.

Laws must be interpreted according to the value of human dignity.

인간의 존엄성 (human dignity) + 에 따라

Common Collocations

상황에 따라

법에 따라

규칙에 따라

사람에 따라

시간에 따라

용도에 따라

수준에 따라

결과에 따라

취향에 따라

순서에 따라

Common Phrases

경우에 따라

— Depending on the case. Used to suggest exceptions or specific scenarios.

경우에 따라 환불이 불가능할 수 있습니다.

필요에 따라

— As needed. Used when suggesting an action based on necessity.

필요에 따라 약을 복용하세요.

지침에 따라

— According to the guidelines. Common in corporate or medical settings.

정부 지침에 따라 마스크를 착용해 주세요.

추세에 따라

— According to the trend. Used when discussing markets or fashion.

시장 추세에 따라 가격이 올랐습니다.

기준에 따라

— According to the criteria. Used in evaluations or sorting.

엄격한 기준에 따라 심사했습니다.

계획에 따라

— According to the plan. Used in project management.

모든 것이 계획에 따라 잘 진행되고 있습니다.

순리에 따라

— According to reason or natural law. Often used in philosophical contexts.

순리에 따라 살아야 마음이 편합니다.

절차에 따라

— According to the procedure. Used for bureaucratic or formal processes.

정해진 절차에 따라 신청해 주세요.

합의에 따라

— According to the agreement. Used in legal or interpersonal contracts.

양측 합의에 따라 계약을 종료합니다.

원칙에 따라

— According to the principle. Used to show integrity or consistency.

우리는 원칙에 따라 행동해야 합니다.

Often Confused With

에 따라 vs 에 의하면

Used for quoting information sources, not following standards.

에 따라 vs 에 의해서

Focuses on the agent or cause of a passive action.

에 따라 vs 를 따라

Means physically following something (like a road or a person).

Idioms & Expressions

"형편에 따라"

— Depending on one's circumstances (usually financial).

각자 형편에 따라 기부합시다.

Neutral

"입맛에 따라"

— According to one's taste (literal or metaphorical).

입맛에 따라 골라 먹는 재미가 있어요.

Informal

"기분에 따라"

— Depending on one's mood (often implying impulsiveness).

그는 기분에 따라 행동하는 경향이 있어요.

Informal

"시대에 따라"

— According to the era (reflecting social change).

미의 기준은 시대에 따라 변합니다.

Neutral

"처지에 따라"

— Depending on one's situation or lot in life.

사람은 처지에 따라 생각이 달라질 수밖에 없어요.

Neutral

"능력에 따라"

— According to one's ability (meritocratic).

능력에 따라 대우받는 사회가 되어야 합니다.

Neutral

"분수에 따라"

— According to one's station or means (often a warning).

분수에 따라 소비하는 습관을 기르세요.

Neutral

"관습에 따라"

— According to custom or tradition.

관습에 따라 제사를 지냅니다.

Formal

"명령에 따라"

— According to orders (military or hierarchical).

명령에 따라 즉시 출동했습니다.

Formal

"법도에 따라"

— According to the proper way/etiquette (traditional).

예법도에 따라 인사를 올렸습니다.

Formal

Easily Confused

에 따라 vs 에 의하면

Both translate to 'according to'.

'에 의하면' is for news/reports/sources. '에 따라' is for rules/standards/variations.

뉴스에 의하면 (According to news) vs 규칙에 따라 (According to rules).

에 따라 vs 에 의해서

Both show a relationship between two things.

'에 의해서' is 'by' or 'due to' (causality). '에 따라' is 'depending on' (dependency).

태풍에 의해서 파괴됨 (Destroyed by typhoon) vs 날씨에 따라 결정함 (Decide depending on weather).

에 따라 vs 를 따라

Both use the verb '따르다'.

'를 따라' is for physical following. '에 따라' is for abstract following.

길을 따라가다 (Follow the road) vs 지시에 따라가다 (Follow the instructions - though '지시에 따라' is more common).

에 따라 vs 대로

Both mean 'as' or 'according to'.

'대로' is more informal and means 'exactly as it is'. '에 따라' is more formal and implies a standard or variation.

말한 대로 (As you said) vs 규정에 따라 (According to regulations).

에 따라 vs 에 비해서

Both compare two things.

'에 비해서' is 'compared to'. '에 따라' is 'depending on'.

어제에 비해서 추워요 (Cold compared to yesterday) vs 날씨에 따라 옷이 달라요 (Clothes differ depending on the weather).

Sentence Patterns

N + 에 따라 달라요

사람에 따라 달라요.

N + 에 따라 + Verb-세요

순서에 따라 하세요.

N + 에 따라 + Verb-아/어지다

실력에 따라 반이 달라져요.

V-느냐에 따라 달라요

어떻게 하느냐에 따라 달라요.

N + 에 따라 + 결과가 나오다

노력에 따라 결과가 나옵니다.

N + 에 따른 + N

변화에 따른 대책.

N + 에 따라서 + Clause

법령에 따라서 처벌을 결정합니다.

N + 에 입각하여/따라

정의에 따라 판결을 내립니다.

Word Family

Nouns

따름 (following/consequence)

추종 (following/devotion)

Verbs

따르다 (to follow)

뒤따르다 (to follow behind)

뒤따라가다 (to follow after)

동반하다 (to accompany)

일치하다 (to coincide)

준수하다 (to obey/comply)

의거하다 (to be based on)

부합하다 (to correspond)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Korean.

Common Mistakes

Using '에 따라' to quote a person. → 선생님 말에 의하면...
You cannot use '에 따라' to say 'According to the teacher' unless you are following the teacher's orders like a rule.
Saying '가다 에 따라'. → 가는 것에 따라 / 가느냐에 따라
You must change the verb into a noun form before using '에 따라'.
Confusing '에 따라' with '를 따라'. → 규칙에 따라 (Abstract) / 길을 따라 (Physical)
'를 따라' is for physical paths; '에 따라' is for abstract standards.
Using '에 따라' for a direct negative cause. → 비 때문에 늦었어요.
'에 따라' implies variation or standard, not a simple 'because' for a single event.
Pronouncing '따라' as '다라'. → 따라 (Tense 'tt')
The meaning changes or becomes unintelligible if the double consonant is not tensed.

Tips

Always use '에'

Never use '를' or '가' before '따라' when you mean 'according to.' The particle '에' is essential for this grammatical structure.

Variation vs. Quoting

Use '에 따라' for variation (it changes) and '에 의하면' for quoting (the source said). This is the most important distinction for learners.

Pair with '달라요'

If you are stuck, remember the pattern 'Noun + 에 따라 달라요.' It's the easiest way to express 'It depends on...' in any situation.

Formal Reports

In formal writing, use '-(으)ㅁ에 따라' to connect actions. For example, '기술이 발전함에 따라' (As technology develops).

Catch the 'Tense' Sound

Listen for the double 'tt' sound. If it sounds soft, it might be a different word. 'Ttara' should sound very punchy.

Common Nouns

Memorize '상황' (situation), '기분' (mood), and '기준' (standard) as they are the most common partners for this phrase.

Social Context

Use this phrase to show you are sensitive to Korean social norms, like '나이에 따라' (according to age).

Don't confuse with '때문에'

If there is a direct reason for a failure, use '때문에.' If there is a choice or variation, use '에 따라.'

Optional '서'

Adding '서' (에 따라서) makes you sound more logical and deliberate. Use it in presentations or debates.

The Adjectival Form

Learn '에 따른' + Noun. For example, '결과에 따른 보상' (Reward according to the result). This allows you to describe nouns directly.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'E-TTARA' as 'E' (at/to) + 'TTARA' (Follow). You are at a point where you follow a standard. 'E-TTARA' = 'According to'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking along a dotted line (the standard) that changes direction. As the line changes, the person changes.

Word Web

따르다 (Follow) 규칙 (Rules) 변화 (Change) 상황 (Situation) 기준 (Standard) 결과 (Result) 의하면 (According to source) 따라서 (Therefore)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your daily routine using '에 따라'. For example: '기분에 따라 커피나 차를 마셔요' (I drink coffee or tea depending on my mood).

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Korean verb '따르다' (ttareuda), which has consistently meant 'to follow' or 'to accompany' since the 15th century. The '에' is a location/target particle.

Original meaning: To physically follow a path or a person.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '능력에 따라' (according to ability) in sensitive social discussions, as it can sound overly meritocratic or dismissive of systemic issues.

English speakers often use 'it depends' as a standalone phrase. In Korean, you almost always need to specify what it depends on using '에 따라 달라요'.

헌법 제1조 (Constitution Article 1): '...국가 권력은 국민의 뜻에 따라...' K-Pop song '날씨에 따라' by various indie artists. Famous proverb: '법에 따라 살면 손해 안 본다' (If you live according to the law, you won't suffer loss).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather and Environment

날씨에 따라
온도에 따라
계절에 따라
지형에 따라

Rules and Law

법에 따라
규정에 따라
지침에 따라
원칙에 따라

Personal Preferences

취향에 따라
입맛에 따라
기분에 따라
생각에 따라

Business and Economics

성과에 따라
예산에 따라
수요에 따라
시장 흐름에 따라

Instructions and Procedures

순서에 따라
지시에 따라
매뉴얼에 따라
계획에 따라

Conversation Starters

"사람에 따라 행복의 기준이 다를까요?"

"상황에 따라 거짓말을 해도 된다고 생각하세요?"

"날씨에 따라 기분이 많이 변하는 편인가요?"

"나이에 따라 친구를 사귀는 방식이 달라지나요?"

"취향에 따라 가장 좋아하는 계절은 무엇인가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 동안 기분에 따라 결정한 일들을 적어보세요.

자신의 가치관에 따라 가장 중요하게 생각하는 원칙은 무엇인가요?

시대의 변화에 따라 우리 사회에서 가장 많이 변한 것은 무엇이라고 생각합니까?

계획에 따라 일을 처리하는 편인가요, 아니면 상황에 따라 유연하게 대처하는 편인가요?

노력에 따라 모든 것이 결정된다는 말에 동의하시나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, '사람에 따라' is very common. It means 'depending on the person.' Example: '사람에 따라 생각이 달라요' (Thoughts differ depending on the person).

There is almost no difference in meaning. '에 따라서' is slightly more formal or emphatic, often used in writing to clearly mark the cause-effect relationship. In conversation, '에 따라' is more common.

You should use '뉴스에 의하면.' Using '뉴스에 따라' would imply that you are changing your behavior based on the news, rather than just reporting what you heard.

Yes, it is the standard phrase for legal compliance. '법에 따라 처벌한다' means 'punish according to the law.' It is used in all official documents.

Yes, but you must nominalize the verb first. You can use 'V-느냐에 따라' (depending on whether...) or 'V-(으)ㅁ에 따라' (as a result of...). Example: '어떻게 하느냐에 따라 달라요.'

Not exactly. It implies a relationship, but not a direct cause. '비 때문에 못 갔어요' (I couldn't go because of the rain) vs '비에 따라 일정이 달라요' (The schedule depends on the rain).

The basic concept is A2, but simple uses like '날씨에 따라' can be learned at the A1 level to express variety.

No, it must be followed by a clause. However, you can say 'Noun에 따라 다릅니다' to end a sentence with the meaning 'It depends on [Noun].'

Yes, the verb '따르다' means both 'to follow' and 'to pour.' It's a homonym, but the grammar '에 따라' specifically comes from the 'to follow' meaning.

The most natural way is '상황에 따라(서)'. This is a very useful phrase in business and social planning.