GrammarN22 min read2026-02-17

〜にそって

Japanese grammar for expressing movement along something or following guidelines/policies

Meaning

〜にそって has two main uses: (1) to indicate movement or positioning along the length of something physical, like a road or river, and (2) to express compliance with rules, policies, plans, or instructions. When modifying a noun, use the form 〜にそった.

Formation

Part of speechFormation
名词にそって

Examples

  1. 道路にそって走る。
    Run along the road.

  2. 政府の方針にそって。
    In accordance with the government's policy.

  3. 私たちの家は川にそって建っている。
    Our house is built along the river.

  4. 明日の会議では、経営方針にそった今年の経営計画を明確に定める必要があります。
    In tomorrow's meeting, we need to clearly establish this year's business plan in line with our management policy.

  5. 父はマニュアルにそって本棚を組み立ててくれた。
    My father assembled the bookshelf for me according to the manual.

Summary

  • Use にそって to describe movement or position alongside a long linear object (road, river, line, etc.)
  • Use にそって to mean 'in accordance with' or 'following' rules, policies, standards, or instructions
  • When modifying a noun directly, change にそって to にそった (e.g., 政府方針にそった計画 = a plan in line with government policy)

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