Japanese grammar
What does ～にしたがって mean? Japanese grammar N3
～にしたがって means (1) as A changes gradually, so does B; (2) in accordance with rules/instructions.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + に従って N + に従って |
| Romaji | nishitagatte |
| Meaning | (1) as A changes gradually, so does B; (2) in accordance with rules/instructions |
Forming it
| Meaning: change | 高くなる + に従って |
|---|---|
| Meaning: following | 指示 + に従って |
How to use it
Two meanings: parallel change (like 「につれて」), and following an instruction, order, or rule.
- Meaning 1 (change): same as 「～につれて」 — as far as A changes, B changes along with it, used with a verb/noun describing a process.
- Meaning 2 (following): “exactly according to” an instruction, rule, or order — the preceding clause is a noun like 指示, ルール, 命令, 説明.
- More formal than 「～につれて」; the “following” meaning is the main difference from 「につれて」.
Examples
山を登るに従って、空気が薄くなってきた。
As I climbed the mountain, the air grew thinner.
係員の指示に従って、避難してください。
Please evacuate according to the staff’s instructions.
説明書にしたがって、家具を組み立ててください。
Please assemble the furniture according to the instructions.
Keep in mind
- When it means “following/obeying”, the second clause is usually a volitional action (an operation, a procedure).
- 「に従い」 is the formal written form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong天気がいいに従って、散歩に行った。
Because the weather was nice, I went for a walk.
Correct天気がいいので、散歩に行った。
「に従って」 needs a GRADUAL CHANGE or an INSTRUCTION; “because the weather is nice” is a reason, so use 「ので」.
-
Wrong説明に従うにつれて、操作した。
I operated it exactly according to the instructions.
Correct説明に従って、操作した。
The meaning “follow the instructions” only belongs to 「に従って」, not 「につれて」.
-
Wrongボタンを押すにしたがって、ドアが開いた。
As soon as I pressed the button, the door opened.
Correctボタンを押すと、ドアが開いた。
A sudden change uses 「と」; 「にしたがって」 needs a gradual process.
-
Wrong説明書につれて組み立てた。
I assembled it exactly according to the instruction manual.
Correct説明書にしたがって組み立てた。
The meaning "follow the instructions" only uses 「にしたがって」.
Exam tips
- Remember two meanings: parallel change (like 「につれて」) and following instructions (unlike 「につれて」).