～に従って / ～に従い

• Reading: にしたがって
• Romaji: ni shitagatte
• Formation: Verb dictionary form + に従って / Noun + に従って
• Kanji breakdown: 従: follow, obey — conveys the sense of following along with a change or instruction

Meaning

Expresses that something changes or occurs spontaneously and gradually in accordance with another change. Can also mean 'following' rules, instructions, or someone's lead.

This pattern has two main uses. First, like につれて, it describes correlated gradual changes where one change triggers or accompanies another. Second, it means 'following' or 'in accordance with' rules, instructions, or authority. The form に従い is more formal and often used in written Japanese. Compared to につれて, に従って can describe both natural changes and deliberate actions taken in response to changes. It also has an obedience nuance — following someone's orders or adhering to regulations — that につれて lacks entirely.

Examples

1. 人口が増加するに従って、住宅の需要も高まっている。 As the population increases, the demand for housing is also rising.
2. 説明書に従って、機械を組み立ててください。 Please assemble the machine according to the instructions.
3. 時代の変化に従い、教育の方法も変わってきた。 In accordance with changes in the era, educational methods have also changed.

Usage Guide

Context: written, spoken, formal speech, instructions

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 気温が上がるに従って、桜が少しずつ咲き始めた。
• 規則に従って行動してください。
• 研究が進むに従い、新しい事実が明らかになった。
• 医師の助言に従って、食生活を見直した。

Don't Say

• 先生に従って、教室に入った。(Ambiguous — sounds like physically following the teacher rather than obeying instructions) → 先生の指示に従って、教室に入った。
• 天気に従って、ピクニックに行こう。(天気 is a condition, not an instruction or gradual change — use 天気がよければ instead) → 天気がよければ、ピクニックに行こう。

Origin & History

From the verb 従う (shitagau, to follow or obey). The te-form creates an adverbial clause meaning 'following' or 'in accordance with.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal