目錄
Both expressions may be translated as “according to,” but they do not describe the same kind of conformity in Japanese.
“川に沿って歩く” means moving forward along the direction of a river. “法律に則って判断する,” by contrast, means treating the law as a formal standard that the judgement must not arbitrarily deviate from.
“〜に沿って” preserves the image of moving along a road, river or line. When used with a plan, policy or need, it means carrying something out in line with a particular direction. “〜に則って” does not have this sense of following a route. It deals with laws, rules, traditions and procedures. The focus is on acting according to a clear basis and complying with an established standard.
The two patterns cannot be distinguished simply by asking whether the preceding standard can be modified. Some nouns, such as “方針,” “規則” and “法律,” may be used with either pattern, but the speaker emphasizes a different aspect in each case. The key is to determine whether the preceding noun guides the direction of an action or serves as a standard for confirming legitimacy and compliance.
The Difference Between “〜に沿って” and “〜に則って”: Direction and Rules Are Not the Same Kind of Standard
“〜に沿って” means carrying out an action along a route, sequence or direction. The line may be physically visible, such as a river, road or wall, or abstract, such as a plan, policy, wish or need.
“〜に則って” means acting on the basis of an established rule or standard. The preceding noun normally has binding force, legitimacy or authority developed over time, such as a law, regulation, system, tradition, custom or formal procedure.
The following sentences may all be translated with “according to,” but the nature of the standard differs.
Example:
利用者の希望に沿って、旅行の日程を調整しました。
Kana: りようしゃのきぼうにそって、りょこうのにっていをちょうせいしました。
Translation: We adjusted the travel itinerary according to the user’s wishes.
The user’s wishes provide a direction for the arrangements, but the actual itinerary can still be discussed and modified.
Example:
会社の規則に則って、必要な手続きを行いました。
Kana: かいしゃのきそくにのっとって、ひつようなてつづきをおこないました。
Translation: We completed the necessary procedures in accordance with company rules.
The company rules are the formal basis used to determine whether the procedures are correct.
Example:
説明書の順序に沿って、機械を組み立ててください。
Kana: せつめいしょのじゅんじょにそって、きかいをくみたててください。
Translation: Please assemble the machine according to the order in the instructions.
The instructions provide an operational route, and the important point is to complete each step in sequence.
How Are “〜に沿って／〜に則って” Formed? Conjugation, Variations and Pronunciation
Both “〜に沿って” and “〜に則って” follow nouns. They cannot directly follow verbs.
If the intended basis is originally expressed as an action, it must first be changed into a noun such as a plan, policy, rule or sequence.
Both patterns can also modify nouns, using “〜に沿った＋noun” and “〜に則った＋noun.”
Formal writing may also use “〜に沿い” and “〜に則り.” Their meanings remain the same, but the tone is more concise and literary.
| Pattern | Structure | Main Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜に沿って | Noun＋に沿って＋verb | Act along a route or direction | 川に沿って歩く |
| 〜に沿った | Noun＋に沿った＋noun | A thing that matches a direction or need | 希望に沿った提案 |
| 〜に沿う | Noun＋に沿う＋noun | A thing that conforms to a direction; slightly more formal | 方針に沿う計画 |
| 〜に沿い | Noun＋に沿い＋clause | Formal connective form of に沿って | 計画に沿い進める |
| 〜に則って | Noun＋に則って＋verb | Act according to a rule or tradition | 法律に則って判断する |
| 〜に則った | Noun＋に則った＋noun | A thing that conforms to a rule | 規則に則った手続き |
| 〜に則る | Noun＋に則る＋noun | A thing that follows a particular standard | 伝統に則る儀式 |
| 〜に則り | Noun＋に則り＋clause | Formal connective form of に則って | 規定に則り処理する |
The pronunciations must be learned separately:
“沿って” is pronounced “そって.”
“則って” is pronounced “のっとって.”
When “沿い” is pronounced “ぞい,” it normally appears in compound nouns such as “川沿い” and “海沿い.” This is not the pronunciation of “に沿って.”
Verbs Cannot Directly Precede “〜に沿って／〜に則って”
Both patterns require a preceding noun that serves as the standard, so a complete verb clause cannot be placed directly before them.
❌ 計画を進めるに沿って、内容を調整する。
✅ 計画に沿って、内容を調整する。
❌ 法律を守るに則って、手続きを行う。
✅ 法律に則って、手続きを行う。
The preceding action must be expressed as a noun that represents a direction or rule, such as “計画,” “方針,” “法律,” “規則” or “手順.”
How to Use “〜に沿って” in Japanese: Physical Routes and Abstract Directions
The original image behind “〜に沿って” is moving along a line.
Even when the preceding noun changes to a plan, policy or need, the sense of following a direction remains.
Usage 1 of “〜に沿って”: Moving Along a Physical Route, Line or Boundary
Rivers, roads, railways, walls and coastlines all have a clear direction of extension.
When “〜に沿って” is used, the following movement, arrangement or construction develops along that direction.
The subject does not have to be a person. It may also be houses, towns, trees or railway lines.
As long as something is distributed along a line, this pattern can be used.
Example:
川に沿って十分ほど歩くと、駅が見えてきます。
Kana: かわにそってじゅっぷんほどあるくと、えきがみえてきます。
Translation: If you walk along the river for about ten minutes, you will see the station.
The river provides a clear direction of movement. The person walking only needs to remain beside the riverbank.
Example:
床の黄色い線に沿って並んでください。
Kana: ゆかのきいろいせんにそってならんでください。
Translation: Please line up along the yellow line on the floor.
The yellow line is a visible marker, and the queue must be arranged in the direction of the line.
Example:
海岸線に沿って、小さな町が続いています。
Kana: かいがんせんにそって、ちいさなまちがつづいています。
Translation: Small towns extend along the coastline.
No person is moving in this sentence. The towns are distributed along the coastline.
Usage 2 of “〜に沿って”: Following a Policy, Plan, Need or Sequence
When “〜に沿って” is used with an abstract noun, the sentence still feels as though it is moving along a route.
The preceding noun provides a direction for the action, but it is not necessarily a legally binding or unchangeable rule.
Common combinations include “計画,” “方針,” “希望,” “要望,” “目的,” “テーマ,” “手順” and “順序.”
The following clause frequently contains verbs such as “進める,” “実施する,” “調整する,” “説明する” and “作成する.”
Example:
利用者の要望に沿って、部屋の設計を変更しました。
Kana: りようしゃのようぼうにそって、へやのせっけいをへんこうしました。
Translation: We modified the room design according to the user’s request.
The request provides the direction for the design, while the actual method may still be adjusted according to the budget and conditions at the site.
Example:
学校の方針に沿って、新しい授業を実施します。
Kana: がっこうのほうしんにそって、あたらしいじゅぎょうをじっしします。
Translation: We will introduce a new class in line with the school’s policy.
The school policy indicates the direction the class should take, but it does not necessarily regulate every detail.
Example:
資料の順番に沿って、調査結果を説明します。
Kana: しりょうのじゅんばんにそって、ちょうさけっかをせつめいします。
Translation: I will explain the survey results according to the order of the materials.
The order of the materials forms the route of the explanation, and the presentation develops according to that sequence.
How to Use “〜に則って” in Japanese: Following Laws, Rules and Traditions
“〜に則って” means acting on the basis of an established standard.
The standard is normally not a suggestion temporarily made by an individual. It is a shared rule established by a law, organization, system, custom or tradition.
The pattern frequently appears in administrative documents, company regulations, news reports, legal explanations and descriptions of traditional events.
It can be used in everyday conversation, but it sounds more formal than “〜に沿って” or “〜のとおりに.”
Usage of “〜に則って”: Acting According to a Law, Rule, Procedure or Tradition
When “〜に則って” is used, the preceding item is not only the direction of the action. It also serves as the basis for determining whether the action is correct, lawful or consistent with tradition.
Example:
法律に則って、必要な手続きを進めます。
Kana: ほうりつにのっとって、ひつようなてつづきをすすめます。
Translation: We will proceed with the necessary procedures in accordance with the law.
The law is the formal basis on which the validity of the procedure depends. It cannot be treated merely as a general direction.
Example:
伝統に則った方法で、祭りの準備が行われました。
Kana: でんとうにのっとったほうほうで、まつりのじゅんびがおこなわれました。
Translation: Preparations for the festival were carried out according to traditional methods.
The preparations follow rituals and customs that have developed over a long period rather than methods decided on the spot.
Example:
社内規定に則って、個人情報を管理してください。
Kana: しゃないきていにのっとって、こじんじょうほうをかんりしてください。
Translation: Please manage personal information in accordance with the company’s internal regulations.
The company regulations are standards that all relevant employees are required to observe and therefore have clear binding force.
Comparison of “〜に沿って” and “〜に則って”: Direction, Binding Force and Register
The greatest difference between the two patterns is not whether the preceding standard can be changed.
It is how the speaker treats that standard.
“〜に沿って” treats the preceding noun as a direction, route or basis for arrangement.
“〜に則って” treats it as a rule with legitimacy, binding force or authority.
| Point of Comparison | 〜に沿って | 〜に則って |
|---|---|---|
| Basic image | Move along a line or direction | Act on the basis of an established standard |
| Role of the preceding noun | Route, direction, need or plan | Law, rule, system or tradition |
| Binding force | Not necessarily | Usually present |
| Possibility of adjustment | May be adjusted according to circumstances | Should not normally be arbitrarily changed |
| Common nouns | 川, 道, 線, 計画, 方針, 希望, 要望, 順序 | 法律, 規則, 規定, 制度, 慣例, 伝統, 手続き |
| Common following verbs | 歩く, 進める, 調整する, 説明する | 判断する, 処理する, 実施する, 管理する |
| Register | Everyday to formal | Relatively formal and written |
| Spatial usage | Possible | Not possible |
| Personal needs | Very natural | Usually unnatural |
| Formal compliance | Can indicate general consistency | More strongly emphasizes formal observance |
“希望” Normally Takes “〜に沿って”
An individual’s wishes or needs provide a direction, but they normally do not have legal or institutional binding force.
For this reason, “〜に沿って” is natural.
❌ 利用者の希望に則って、予定を変更しました。
✅ 利用者の希望に沿って、予定を変更しました。
“希望に則って” makes a personal wish sound like a formal regulation.
Unless a special context has transformed the wish into an official instruction that must be followed, “に則って” is inappropriate.
Can “法律” Be Used with Both Patterns?
Both “法律に沿って” and “法律に則って” appear in actual Japanese, so the first should not simply be classified as incorrect.
They emphasize different aspects.
Example:
法律に沿った対応を検討します。
Kana: ほうりつにそったたいおうをけんとうします。
Translation: We will consider a response that is consistent with the law.
The focus is on ensuring that the response does not deviate from legal requirements. The tone is relatively general.
Example:
法律に則って処分を決定します。
Kana: ほうりつにのっとってしょぶんをけっていします。
Translation: The disciplinary action will be determined in accordance with the law.
The focus is on the law as the formal basis for the judgement, giving the sentence a more legal and administrative tone.
Therefore, “法律に沿って” is not grammatically incorrect.
However, when a sentence concerns a formal ruling, administrative procedure or compliance responsibility, “法律に則って” is usually more precise.
“方針” May Also Take “〜に則って”
A policy normally indicates a direction for action, so “方針に沿って” is common.
However, when a policy has been formally established by an organization and all members are required to comply with it, “方針に則って” may also be used.
Example:
基本方針に沿って、内容を調整します。
Kana: きほんほうしんにそって、ないようをちょうせいします。
Translation: We will adjust the content in line with the basic policy.
The focus is on revising the content in the direction indicated by the policy.
Example:
会社が定めた方針に則って、審査を行います。
Kana: かいしゃがさだめたほうしんにのっとって、しんさをおこないます。
Translation: The review will be conducted in accordance with the policy established by the company.
The policy has become a formal review standard, so “に則って” is also possible.
A noun is not necessarily permanently associated with only one of the two patterns.
The final choice depends on whether the noun functions as a direction or as a binding standard in the sentence.
Four Japanese Ways to Say “According to”: “〜に沿って／〜に則って／〜に従って／〜に基づいて”
In addition to “〜に沿って” and “〜に則って,” both “〜に従って” and “〜に基づいて” are often translated as “according to.”
The difference lies in how the preceding item affects the following action.
“〜に従って” means obeying an instruction or changing in response to another change.
“〜に基づいて” means that the following action or judgement is founded on data, facts or evidence.
| Pattern | Role of the Preceding Item | Common Nouns | Main Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜に沿って | Direction or route for an action | 計画, 方針, 希望, 道 | Proceed along a direction |
| 〜に則って | Formal rule or standard | 法律, 規則, 伝統 | Observe an established standard |
| 〜に従って | Order, instruction or change | 指示, 命令, 規則, 変化 | Obey or change accordingly |
| 〜に基づいて | Basis for judgement, data or fact | データ, 事実, 証拠, 調査 | Make a judgement based on information |
The Difference Between “〜に沿って” and “〜に従って”
“〜に沿って” means carrying out an action without deviating from a direction.
“〜に従って” more readily conveys obedience to an instruction or acceptance of an arrangement made by a person in authority.
Example:
計画に沿って作業を進めます。
Kana: けいかくにそってさぎょうをすすめます。
Translation: We will proceed with the work according to the plan.
The plan provides the route for the work, but the process may still be adjusted according to conditions on site.
Example:
責任者の指示に従って作業してください。
Kana: せきにんしゃのしじにしたがってさぎょうしてください。
Translation: Please carry out the work according to the instructions of the person in charge.
The instructions come from someone with authority, and the following action must comply with them.
“計画に従って” is also possible, but it sounds more like strictly following the established contents of the plan than “計画に沿って.”
The Difference Between “〜に則って” and “〜に基づいて”
“〜に則って” emphasizes compliance with a rule.
“〜に基づいて” emphasizes that a judgement is supported by data, evidence or facts.
Example:
規則に則って、申請を処理しました。
Kana: きそくにのっとって、しんせいをしょりしました。
Translation: The application was processed in accordance with the rules.
The rules determine how the procedure should be carried out.
Example:
提出された資料に基づいて、申請を審査しました。
Kana: ていしゅつされたしりょうにもとづいて、しんせいをしんさしました。
Translation: The application was reviewed based on the submitted documents.
The documents provide the information on which the review judgement is based. They are not rules that must be obeyed.
When the preceding item is a law or rule, “〜に則って” is normally considered.
When it is data, evidence or survey results, “〜に基づいて” is normally used.
Choosing Between “〜に沿って／〜に則って／〜に従って／〜に基づいて” in Business Japanese
Suppose a company is preparing to implement a new project.
Each of the four patterns identifies a different basis.
Example:
計画に沿って、作業を進めます。
Kana: けいかくにそって、さぎょうをすすめます。
Translation: We will proceed with the work according to the plan.
The focus is on the work moving in the direction arranged by the plan.
Example:
社内規定に則って、作業を進めます。
Kana: しゃないきていにのっとって、さぎょうをすすめます。
Translation: We will proceed with the work in accordance with internal company regulations.
The focus is on ensuring that the method of working complies with the formal rules.
Example:
責任者の指示に従って、作業を進めます。
Kana: せきにんしゃのしじにしたがって、さぎょうをすすめます。
Translation: We will proceed with the work according to the instructions of the person in charge.
The focus is on following the specific arrangement made by the person in charge.
Example:
調査結果に基づいて、作業内容を変更します。
Kana: ちょうさけっかにもとづいて、さぎょうないようをへんこうします。
Translation: We will revise the work based on the survey results.
The focus is on the survey data supporting the decision to make the change.
When choosing a pattern, first identify the category of the preceding noun:
Routes, plans, needs and directions: use “〜に沿って.”
Laws, rules, traditions and formal procedures: use “〜に則って.”
Orders, instructions or arrangements made by a person in authority: use “〜に従って.”
Data, facts, surveys and evidence: use “〜に基づいて.”
Travel Japanese with “〜に沿って／〜に則って”: Directions, Itineraries and Venue Rules
When travelling, “〜に沿って” commonly appears in directions, queueing instructions and trail guidance.
“〜に則って” is more likely to appear in event regulations, accommodation terms, cultural ceremonies and formal procedures.
The former is frequently heard directly in spoken conversation, while the latter appears more often in notices, documents and formal explanations from staff.
Situation 1: Asking for Directions to a Shrine Along a River
A river is a clearly visible spatial route, so “〜に沿って” is the most natural form when giving directions.
A: 神社までは、どの道を行けばいいですか。
じんじゃまでは、どのみちをいけばいいですか。
Which road should I take to reach the shrine?
B: この川に沿って、まっすぐ進んでください。
このかわにそって、まっすぐすすんでください。
Please continue straight along this river.
📌 Grammar point: The river provides the direction of movement, and the traveller only needs to continue beside the riverbank.
Situation 2: Adjusting an Itinerary According to a Traveller’s Wishes
An itinerary should take the traveller’s wishes into account, but it is still affected by transport and opening hours.
For this reason, “〜に沿って” is used.
A: 午後は美術館を中心に回れますか。
ごごはびじゅつかんをちゅうしんにまわれますか。
Can the afternoon itinerary focus mainly on art museums?
B: ご希望に沿って、日程を調整いたします。
ごきぼうにそって、にっていをちょうせいいたします。
We will adjust the itinerary according to your wishes.
📌 Grammar point: The traveller’s wishes provide the direction for the arrangement, while the actual schedule can still be coordinated according to local conditions.
Situation 3: Taking Photographs According to Venue Rules
Venue rules are formal standards that all participants are required to observe, so “〜に則って” is used.
A: 会場内で写真を撮ってもいいですか。
かいじょうないでしゃしんをとってもいいですか。
May I take photographs inside the venue?
B: 会場の規則に則って、指定された場所で撮影してください。
かいじょうのきそくにのっとって、していされたばしょでさつえいしてください。
Please take photographs only in the designated locations, in accordance with the venue rules.
📌 Grammar point: The method of photography is restricted by formal rules rather than merely guided by a general direction.
Cultural Notes
Japanese stations, tourist attractions and event venues frequently use lines to organize the direction of movement.
For this reason, expressions such as “黄色い線に沿って” and “案内表示に沿って” commonly appear in on-site instructions.
These sentences preserve the image of physically proceeding along a visible marker.
Notices and administrative documents often replace “〜に則って” with the more concise “〜に則り,” as in “規定に則り処理いたします.”
The meaning does not change, but the written tone becomes stronger.
“伝統に則って” means more than simply copying an old method.
It indicates that present-day actions still treat established rituals, etiquette or customs as formal standards.
If something merely uses a traditional style as a design reference, “伝統に沿ったデザイン” may be more appropriate.
Comparing Japanese “〜に沿って／〜に則って” with Korean “따라／에 따라”
The Korean expressions “따라／에 따라” have a broader range of uses than their Japanese counterparts.
They can indicate moving along a road or river, following a plan or acting according to a regulation or law.
Therefore, when translating Korean into Japanese, “따라” cannot always be replaced with the same Japanese pattern.
First determine whether the preceding noun is a physical route, a direction for action or a formal standard with binding force.
Example:
강을 따라 십 분 정도 걸으면 역이 나와요.
Romanization: gang-eul tta-ra sip bun jeong-do geo-reu-myeon yeok-i na-wa-yo.
Translation: If you walk along the river for about ten minutes, you will reach the station.
The river provides a physical route, and Korean uses “을 따라.”
Example:
계획에 따라 작업을 진행할 예정이에요.
Romanization: gye-hoeg-e tta-ra ja-geob-eul jin-haeng-hal ye-jeong-i-e-yo.
Translation: We plan to proceed with the work according to the plan.
The plan provides the direction of the work, while actual implementation may still be adjusted according to circumstances.
Example:
회사 규정에 따라 개인정보를 관리해야 합니다.
Romanization: hoe-sa gyu-jeong-e tta-ra gae-in-jeong-bo-reul gwan-ri-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Translation: Personal information must be managed according to company regulations.
The company regulations are formal standards that all relevant personnel are required to observe.
◆ Difference from the Japanese “〜に沿って／〜に則って”:
The Korean “따라／에 따라” can cover spatial routes, directions provided by a plan, laws and regulations.
Japanese further distinguishes between “〜に沿って” and “〜に則って” according to the nature of the preceding standard.
The Korean “요구에 따라” is normally translated into Japanese as “要望に沿って.”
The Korean “법률에 따라” may be translated as either “法律に沿って” or “法律に則って,” depending on the context.
When a formal ruling or procedure is involved, the latter is usually more precise.
The distinction between “〜に沿って” and “〜に則って” is not simply that one is conversational and the other formal.
“〜に沿って” treats the preceding item as a direction of movement or action.
“〜に則って” treats it as the standard that determines whether an action is valid or compliant.
Rivers, routes, plans, needs and explanatory sequences normally take “〜に沿って.”
Laws, regulations, systems and traditional ceremonies normally take “〜に則って.”
When a noun such as “法律” or “方針” can take either pattern, determine whether the sentence emphasizes general consistency with a direction or formal observance of an authoritative standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
“〜に沿って” means proceeding along a route, direction, plan or need.
It can follow physically visible rivers, roads and lines, as well as abstract policies, wishes and sequences.
“川に沿って歩く” means walking along a river.
“計画に沿って進める” means proceeding in the direction indicated by a plan.
Both uses retain the sense of not deviating from a particular route.
“〜に則って” means acting according to a formal rule, system, custom or tradition.
The preceding noun normally has shared binding force or serves as the standard used to determine whether an action is correct.
“法律に則って判断する” means treating the law as the formal basis for a judgement.
“伝統に則って儀式を行う” means carrying out a ceremony according to established traditions and etiquette.
“〜に沿って” emphasizes direction, while “〜に則って” emphasizes rules.
Plans, wishes and needs guide an action in a particular direction, so they commonly take “〜に沿って.”
Laws, rules and traditions determine whether an action complies with an established standard, so they commonly take “〜に則って.”
The two are not completely separate.
Some nouns, such as “方針” and “法律,” may take either form.
The former emphasizes conformity with a direction, while the latter emphasizes formal observance.
Yes.
“法律に沿って” is not incorrect. It normally means that a response is broadly consistent with legal requirements or does not deviate from them.
“法律に則って” has a stronger formal tone and a clearer sense of legal authority.
It frequently appears in administrative sanctions, legal judgements and formal procedures.
When the sentence needs to emphasize the law as the authoritative standard determining the action, “〜に則って” is more precise.
Both may be correct, but they emphasize different aspects.
“方針に沿って” means carrying out an action in the direction indicated by the policy, while allowing the actual method to be adjusted.
“方針に則って” treats the policy as a formally established rule that must be observed.
“方針に沿って” is more common in ordinary work plans and content adjustments.
A formally established policy used in an organizational review process may take “方針に則って.”
“〜に沿って” means proceeding along a direction.
“〜に従って” more readily conveys obedience to an instruction, order or arrangement made by a person in authority.
“計画に沿って進める” means working according to the route established by the plan.
“責任者の指示に従って行動する” means obeying the instructions of the person in charge.
“計画に従って” is also possible, but it places more emphasis on strictly following the plan than “計画に沿って.”
“〜に則って” means observing a law, rule or system.
“〜に基づいて” means that a judgement is founded on data, facts or evidence.
“規則に則って申請を処理する” means that the procedure complies with the rules.
“提出資料に基づいて申請を審査する” means that the review decision comes from the submitted documents.
Use “〜に則って” when the preceding item is a standard that must be observed.
Use “〜に基づいて” when it is information supporting a judgement.
Not directly.
Both patterns require the structure “noun＋に沿って／に則って.”
An action must be changed into a noun that represents a direction or standard.
For example, “計画を進める” becomes “計画に沿って進める.”
“法律を守る” may be reorganized as “法律に則って手続きを行う.”
“〜に沿った” and “〜に則った” are placed before nouns and modify the thing that follows.
“希望に沿った提案” means a proposal that conforms to someone’s wishes.
“規則に則った手続き” means a procedure carried out according to the rules.
Formal writing may also use “〜に沿う＋noun” and “〜に則る＋noun,” as in “方針に沿う計画” and “伝統に則る儀式.”
“〜に則って” is pronounced “〜にのっとって.”
The verb “則る” is pronounced “のっとる” and means to act on the basis of a rule, law, tradition or standard.
“〜に沿って,” by contrast, is pronounced “〜にそって.”
The kanji and pronunciation are completely different.
Most JLPT materials classify “〜に沿って” as an N2 grammar pattern.
“〜に則って” is more strongly associated with formal writing, and some materials place it at N1 level or treat it as advanced vocabulary.
The exact classification may vary.
Questions normally test more than pronunciation. Learners must also determine whether the preceding noun represents a direction, plan, rule or formal basis.
Memorizing only the translation “according to” is not enough. The nature of the standard must also be considered.