Meaning
に従って/に従い has two primary meanings: (1) to follow, obey, or act in accordance with rules, instructions, or opinions without violation; and (2) to change proportionally or simultaneously with something else. The pattern can attach to noun + に従って or verb dictionary form + に従って, indicating either adherence to a standard or a causal relationship where one situation changes as another develops.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞辞書形 | に従って/に従い |
| 名詞 | に従って/に従い |
Examples
-
地震が発生した時は、先生の指示に従って安全な場所に避難してください。
When an earthquake occurs, please evacuate to a safe place following your teacher's instructions. -
運転手は交通規則に従って運転すべきです。
Drivers should drive in accordance with traffic regulations. -
社長の決定に従って、来月からインドで新しい工場を開くことになりました。
Following the president's decision, we will open a new factory in India starting next month. -
医者の指示に従って、時間通り定量の薬を飲んでください。
Please take your medicine on time and in the correct dosage according to the doctor's instructions. -
経済が発展するに従って、人々の暮らしは豊かになってきた。
As the economy develops, people's lives have become more affluent. -
増加する観光客のニーズに従って、空港から市内までのバスの本数も増やしていこう。
As the number of tourists increases, we should also increase the number of buses running from the airport to the city center. -
山に登るに従って気温が下がる。
As you climb the mountain, the temperature decreases. -
両国間の文化交流が進むに従って、相互の文化への理解もいっそう深まっていった。
As cultural exchange between the two countries progressed, their mutual understanding of each other's cultures deepened further.
Summary
- Use に従って/に従い to express 'following' or 'in accordance with' rules, instructions, or decisions
- Also expresses proportional change where one situation develops or changes as another situation progresses
- に従い is more formal/written; に従って is more commonly used in both speech and writing