Korean “에 따라” can mean “according to a certain standard,” but it can also indicate that a result “depends on a particular condition.” For example, “규정에 따라” means following regulations, “날씨에 따라” means depending on the weather, and “사람에 따라” means that something varies from person to person. The form itself does not change. What changes is the role played by the noun that comes before it.

For this reason, “에 따라” should not simply be memorized as “according to.” When you see this structure, first determine whether the preceding noun represents a rule, a changing condition, or a basis for distinguishing different results. Once that relationship is clear, meanings such as “according to,” “depending on,” and “varying by” become much easier to distinguish.

What Does Korean “에 따라” Mean? The Following Action or Result Changes According to a Standard

“에 따라” consists of the particle “에” and “따라,” a form of the verb “따르다.” “따르다” itself means “to follow” or “to comply with,” so “N에 따라” can first be understood as “following the standard or condition represented by N.”

If the preceding noun is a law, regulation, or instruction, the following clause usually describes an action carried out according to that standard. If the noun is weather, circumstances, or demand, the following result changes depending on those conditions. If it is a person, age group, or region, the structure indicates differences between categories.

• Example: 규정에 따라 신청서를 제출해 주세요.
  Romanization: gyu-jeong-e tta-ra sin-cheong-seo-reul je-chul-hae ju-se-yo.
  Translation: Please submit the application form according to the regulations.
  “규정” is the standard that must be followed when submitting the application, so “에 따라” is close to “according to the regulations.”
• Example: 날씨에 따라 여행 일정이 바뀔 수 있어요.
  Romanization: nal-ssi-e tta-ra yeo-haeng il-jeong-i ba-kkwil su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The travel schedule may change depending on the weather.
  Weather is not a rule that needs to be obeyed. It is a condition that determines whether the schedule changes, so “depending on the weather” is more natural.
• Example: 사람에 따라 이 음식이 맵게 느껴질 수 있어요.
  Romanization: sa-ram-e tta-ra i eum-sik-i maep-ge neu-kkyeo-jil su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: Depending on the person, this dish may taste spicy.
  “사람” is the basis for distinguishing different perceptions, so “사람에 따라” is often understood as “it varies from person to person.”

Korean “에 따라” Conjugation Rules: Attach It Directly to Nouns, but Verbs Need Nominalization

The most basic structure is “noun＋에 따라.” Whether the noun ends in a final consonant does not affect the form, so there is no particle change based on 받침. “에 따라서” can also be used, and the two forms have essentially the same meaning.

Structure	Main Function	Example	Common English
Noun＋에 따라	Following a rule or standard	규정에 따라 처리하다	Process according to regulations
Noun＋에 따라	Result changes with conditions	날씨에 따라 달라지다	Vary depending on the weather
Noun＋에 따라	Differences by category	사람에 따라 다르다	Vary from person to person
Noun＋에 따라서	Essentially the same as “에 따라”	상황에 따라서 결정하다	Decide depending on the situation

“에 따라” Attaches Directly to Nouns Regardless of Final Consonants

Unlike some Korean grammar forms, “에 따라” does not change depending on whether the preceding noun has 받침. Words such as “법,” “날씨,” “사람,” “지역,” and “상황” all take “에 따라” directly.

• Example: 법에 따라 처리해야 합니다.
  Romanization: beo-be tta-ra cheo-ri-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Translation: It must be handled according to the law.
  “법” has a final consonant, but “에 따라” is still attached directly without any change.
• Example: 날씨에 따라 옷을 골라요.
  Romanization: nal-ssi-e tta-ra o-seul gol-la-yo.
  Translation: I choose my clothes depending on the weather.
  “날씨” has no final consonant, but the same “에 따라” form is used.
• Example: 지역에 따라 가격이 달라요.
  Romanization: ji-yeo-ge tta-ra ga-gyeo-gi dal-la-yo.
  Translation: Prices vary by region.
  “지역” acts as the classification standard, with different regions corresponding to different prices.

How Do Verbs Connect to “에 따라”? Two Forms: “-느냐에 따라” and “-(으)ㅁ에 따라”

“에 따라” basically follows a noun, so a verb in dictionary form cannot attach directly to it. Forms such as “먹다에 따라” and “하다에 따라” are unnatural. When an action or state needs to become the basis for the following judgment, there are two common methods: use “-느냐에 따라” to mean “depending on how or whether something is done,” or nominalize the verb with “-(으)ㅁ” before attaching “에 따라” to describe a change that follows another change or state.

“-느냐에 따라” contains a question-like proposition such as “how something is done,” “which option is chosen,” or “whether something happens.” The result then differs depending on that choice or condition. For this reason, it frequently appears with verbs such as “다르다,” “달라지다,” and “결정되다,” which express differences or determination.

“-(으)ㅁ에 따라,” on the other hand, first turns the preceding verb into noun-like content and then uses it as the basis for a subsequent change. This form is especially common in more formal writing such as news reports, reports, and announcements, particularly when describing a relationship such as “as A happens, B also changes.” For example, “증가함에 따라” means “as it increases,” which differs from “어떻게 하느냐에 따라,” meaning “depending on how it is done.”

• Example: 어떤 방법을 선택하느냐에 따라 결과가 달라질 수 있어요.
  Romanization: eo-tteon bang-beo-beul seon-taek-ha-neu-nya-e tta-ra gyeol-gwa-ga dal-la-jil su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The result may differ depending on which method you choose.
  “선택하느냐” turns “which one is chosen” into the basis for the following judgment. Since the result changes depending on the choice, “-느냐에 따라” is used.
• Example: 어떻게 설명하느냐에 따라 상대방의 반응이 달라질 수 있어요.
  Romanization: eo-tteo-ke seol-myeong-ha-neu-nya-e tta-ra sang-dae-bang-ui ban-eung-i dal-la-jil su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The other person’s reaction may differ depending on how you explain it.
  “어떻게 설명하느냐” means “how you explain it,” and the point is that different explanations may produce different reactions.
• Example: 이용자가 증가함에 따라 서버 용량도 늘려야 합니다.
  Romanization: i-yong-ja-ga jeung-ga-ham-e tta-ra seo-beo yong-nyang-do neul-lyeo-ya ham-ni-da.
  Translation: As the number of users increases, the server capacity must also be expanded.
  “증가하다” is first nominalized as “증가함,” then followed by “에 따라.” This sentence is not comparing what happens depending on whether users increase. It describes one change occurring alongside another.

What’s the Difference Between “에 따라” and “에 따라서”? The Core Meaning Is Essentially the Same

“에 따라서” is the form created by adding “-서” after “따라.” In actual usage, both forms can appear in spoken and written Korean, and their meanings are usually the same. “에 따라서” can sometimes make the relationship between clauses feel slightly more complete, but it should not be memorized as a fixed “formal version.”

• Example: 상황에 따라 계획을 바꿀 수 있어요.
  Romanization: sang-hwang-e tta-ra gye-hoe-geul ba-kkul su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The plan can be changed depending on the situation.
  “에 따라” is concise and natural and is common in both conversation and general explanations.
• Example: 상황에 따라서 계획을 바꿀 수 있어요.
  Romanization: sang-hwang-e tta-ra-seo gye-hoe-geul ba-kkul su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The plan can be changed depending on the situation.
  Changing it to “에 따라서” does not change the basic meaning.
• Example: 조건에 따라서 결과가 달라질 수 있습니다.
  Romanization: jo-geo-ne tta-ra-seo gyeol-gwa-ga dal-la-jil su it-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: The result may differ depending on the conditions.
  A formal sentence ending such as “-습니다” can appear with “에 따라서,” but the formal tone mainly comes from the overall sentence style, not from “서” alone.

Three Common Uses of Korean “에 따라”

The three most common meanings of “에 따라” can usually be determined from the noun that comes before it. Regulations, laws, and instructions generally indicate a standard to follow; weather, situations, and demand usually indicate changing conditions; people, regions, and age groups are often used as classification criteria that produce different results.

“에 따라” Use ①｜Following a Regulation, Instruction, or Standard

When “에 따라” follows nouns such as “규정,” “법,” “지침,” “절차,” or “계획,” it indicates that the following action is not decided spontaneously but is carried out according to an established standard.

This use is especially common in company announcements, government documents, application procedures, and service instructions. It is often translated as “according to,” “in accordance with,” or “following.”

• Example: 회사 규정에 따라 재택근무를 신청할 수 있습니다.
  Romanization: hoe-sa gyu-jeong-e tta-ra jae-taek-geun-mu-reul sin-cheong-hal su it-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: You can apply for remote work according to company regulations.
  Whether and how someone can apply is determined by established rules, so “회사 규정” is the basis for the action.
• Example: 안내에 따라 필요한 정보를 입력해 주세요.
  Romanization: an-nae-e tta-ra pil-yo-han jeong-bo-reul i-byeo-kae ju-se-yo.
  Translation: Please enter the required information according to the instructions.
  The user follows the instructions shown on the screen or document while entering the information, so “안내에 따라” is appropriate.
• Example: 법에 따라 개인정보를 보호해야 합니다.
  Romanization: beo-be tta-ra gae-in-jeong-bo-reul bo-ho-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Translation: Personal information must be protected according to the law.
  The law serves as the basis for the obligation, so it combines naturally with expressions such as “해야 합니다.”

“에 따라” Use ②｜A Result Changes Depending on a Situation, Condition, or Standard

When the preceding noun is something variable, such as “날씨,” “상황,” “계절,” “수요,” or “결과,” “에 따라” indicates that the following result is not fixed but changes along with that condition.

This use often appears with verbs such as “달라지다,” “바뀌다,” “변하다,” and “결정되다.” Common English translations include “depending on,” “according to,” and “vary with.”

• Example: 교통 상황에 따라 도착 시간이 달라질 수 있어요.
  Romanization: gyo-tong sang-hwang-e tta-ra do-chak si-ga-ni dal-la-jil su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The arrival time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
  Whether traffic is light or congested directly affects arrival time, so “교통 상황” is the changing condition.
• Example: 계절에 따라 이 식당의 메뉴가 조금씩 바뀌어요.
  Romanization: gye-jeo-re tta-ra i sik-ttang-ui me-nyu-ga jo-geum-ssik ba-kkwi-eo-yo.
  Translation: This restaurant’s menu changes slightly depending on the season.
  As the seasons change, the menu is adjusted accordingly, creating a corresponding relationship.
• Example: 예약 인원에 따라 방의 크기가 달라집니다.
  Romanization: ye-yak i-nwo-ne tta-ra bang-ui keu-gi-ga dal-la-jim-ni-da.
  Translation: The room size varies depending on the number of guests in the reservation.
  As the number of guests increases or decreases, a different room may be assigned, so “depending on the number of guests” is the natural interpretation.

“에 따라” Use ③｜Differences by Person, Region, or Category

In expressions such as “사람에 따라,” “지역에 따라,” “연령에 따라,” and “나라에 따라,” “에 따라” does not mean that someone is following someone else. Instead, the first noun is used as a classification criterion.

The following clause commonly contains “다르다,” “차이가 있다,” or “-ㄹ 수 있다,” indicating that different groups may produce different results. In English, this is often translated as “varies from person to person,” “differs by region,” or “depends on the group.”

• Example: 연령에 따라 필요한 운동량이 달라요.
  Romanization: yeon-nyeong-e tta-ra pil-yo-han un-dong-nyang-i dal-la-yo.
  Translation: The amount of exercise needed varies by age.
  Different age groups have different requirements, so “연령” acts as the classification criterion.
• Example: 지역에 따라 사용하는 표현이 조금씩 달라요.
  Romanization: ji-yeo-ge tta-ra sa-yong-ha-neun pyo-hyeo-ni jo-geum-ssik dal-la-yo.
  Translation: The expressions people use vary slightly by region.
  The same language may use different vocabulary or expressions depending on the region, so “지역에 따라” is used.
• Example: 사람에 따라 혼자 여행하는 게 더 편할 수도 있어요.
  Romanization: sa-ram-e tta-ra hon-ja yeo-haeng-ha-neun ge deo pyeon-hal su-do i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: Depending on the person, traveling alone may actually be more comfortable.
  The sentence leaves room for individual differences rather than treating one preference as true for everyone.

What’s the Difference Between Korean “에 따라,” “에 따르면,” and “에 맞춰”? Comparing Standards, Sources, and Adjustment

These expressions may all be translated with words such as “according to” or “based on,” but the real difference lies in the relationship between the first and second parts of the sentence. “에 따라” expresses a standard or changing condition; “에 따르면” marks an information source; “에 의해서” commonly expresses a cause, method, or agent; and “에 맞춰” means actively adjusting something to fit a standard or requirement.

Grammar	Main Meaning	Common Content Before It	Focus of the Following Clause
“에 따라”	According to, depending on, varying by	규정, 상황, 사람	Action or result depends on the first noun
“에 따라서”	Essentially the same as “에 따라”	조건, 상황, 기준	Standard or condition
“에 따르면”	According to an information source	뉴스, 보고서, 발표	Reporting information
“에 의해서”	By, because of, through	사람, 원인, 방법	Cause, method, agent
“에 맞춰”	Adjust to, in line with	일정, 수준, 수요	Actively make the following fit the first

Difference Between “에 따라” and “에 따라서”: Essentially the Same Meaning

“에 따라” and “에 따라서” are basically interchangeable when they mean “according to” or “depending on.” Rather than memorizing them as different levels of formality, it is more practical to treat them as two forms of the same expression.

✅ 상황에 따라 일정이 변경될 수 있어요.
The schedule may change depending on the situation.

✅ 상황에 따라서 일정이 변경될 수 있어요.
The schedule may change depending on the situation.

The core meaning is the same in both sentences. In actual speech, “에 따라” is shorter and therefore also very common.

Difference Between “에 따라” and “에 따르면”: Standard or Condition vs. Information Source

“에 따르면” is especially easy to confuse with “에 따라” because both may be translated as “according to.” However, the noun before “에 따르면” is usually an information source, such as news, a survey, a report, or someone’s statement. The following clause then relays information provided by that source.

“에 따라,” on the other hand, means that the following action or result is affected by the preceding factor.

• Example: 날씨에 따라 일정이 달라질 수 있어요.
  Romanization: nal-ssi-e tta-ra il-jeong-i dal-la-jil su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: The schedule may change depending on the weather.
  Weather affects the result, so “에 따라” is used.
• Example: 일기 예보에 따르면 내일 비가 온대요.
  Romanization: il-gi ye-bo-e tta-reu-myeon nae-il bi-ga on-dae-yo.
  Translation: According to the weather forecast, it is supposed to rain tomorrow.
  The weather forecast is the information source. It is not a condition that causes the rain to change, so “에 따르면” is used.
• Example: 보고서에 따르면 이용자가 계속 늘고 있습니다.
  Romanization: bo-go-seo-e tta-reu-myeon i-yong-ja-ga gye-sok neul-go it-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: According to the report, the number of users is continuing to increase.
  The sentence is quoting information from the report, so it cannot simply be replaced with “보고서에 따라,” which would indicate a standard or condition.

Difference Between “에 따라” and “에 의해서”: Standard vs. Cause, Method, or Agent

“에 의해서” has a broader range of use. It can indicate who performed an action, what caused something, or through what method a result was produced. It is especially common in passive sentences and formal written Korean.

“에 따라” is more likely to show that an action follows a standard or that a result changes when a condition changes. However, the two can overlap in some contexts involving laws, principles, or standards, so they cannot always be separated into completely distinct categories.

• Example: 규정에 따라 신청을 처리합니다.
  Romanization: gyu-jeong-e tta-ra sin-cheong-eul cheo-ri-ham-ni-da.
  Translation: Applications are processed according to the regulations.
  The point is that the procedure follows the regulations.
• Example: 강한 바람에 의해서 나무가 쓰러졌습니다.
  Romanization: gang-han ba-ra-me ui-hae-seo na-mu-ga sseu-reo-jyeot-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: The tree fell because of the strong wind.
  The strong wind is the cause of the result, so “에 의해서” is used.
• Example: 이 작품은 여러 전문가에 의해서 복원되었습니다.
  Romanization: i jak-pu-meun yeo-reo jeon-mun-ga-e ui-hae-seo bo-gwon-doe-eot-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: This work was restored by several experts.
  The sentence emphasizes the agent in a passive construction, so “전문가에 따라” cannot replace it.

Difference Between “에 따라” and “에 맞춰”: A Condition Determines the Result vs. Actively Adjusting to Fit It

“에 맞춰” comes from “맞추다” and carries the sense of making one thing fit another standard, schedule, or need. The sentence therefore usually contains a person or organization actively adjusting something.

“에 따라” does not require this kind of active adjustment. It can simply describe the objective relationship “when A changes, B also changes.”

• Example: 수요에 따라 생산량이 달라집니다.
  Romanization: su-yo-e tta-ra saeng-san-nyang-i dal-la-jim-ni-da.
  Translation: Production volume varies depending on demand.
  The sentence simply describes the relationship between demand and production volume.
• Example: 수요에 맞춰 생산량을 조절합니다.
  Romanization: su-yo-e mat-chwo saeng-san-nyang-eul jo-jeol-ham-ni-da.
  Translation: We adjust production volume to match demand.
  The second clause clearly describes active adjustment, so “에 맞춰” is more appropriate.
• Example: 손님의 취향에 맞춰 메뉴를 추천해 드릴게요.
  Romanization: son-ni-mui chwi-hyang-e mat-chwo me-nyu-reul chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
  Translation: I’ll recommend dishes based on the customer’s preferences.
  The person making the recommendation actively adjusts the choices to fit the customer’s preferences, creating the “맞추다” sense of alignment.

How Do You Say “According to” in Korean? Choosing Between “에 따라,” “에 따르면,” and “에 의해서”

The English phrase “according to” can represent several different relationships. It is more accurate to first determine whether the sentence is quoting information, following a standard, or identifying the cause of a result than to translate directly from English.

✅ 규정에 따라 처리합니다.
We handle it according to the regulations.
The regulations are the standard for the action, so “에 따라” is used.

✅ 조사 결과에 따르면 이용자가 늘었습니다.
According to the survey results, the number of users increased.
The survey results are the information source, so “에 따르면” is used.

✅ 사고에 의해서 도로가 통제되었습니다.
The road was closed because of the accident.
The accident is the cause of the result, so “에 의해서” is used.

English may use similar expressions such as “according to,” “because of,” or “based on” in all three cases, but Korean distinguishes information sources, standards, and causes.

Comparing “에 따라,” “에 따르면,” and “에 맞춰” in the Same Workplace Situation

Using the same project plan as an example, “에 따라” can describe following established rules, “에 따르면” can quote information from a document, and “에 맞춰” can show employees actively adjusting their work to a schedule or requirement.

• Example: 회사 규정에 따라 승인 절차를 진행합니다.
  Romanization: hoe-sa gyu-jeong-e tta-ra seung-in jeol-cha-reul jin-haeng-ham-ni-da.
  Translation: We proceed with the approval process according to company regulations.
  “회사 규정” is the standard used to carry out the procedure.
• Example: 프로젝트 보고서에 따르면 일정이 조금 늦어지고 있습니다.
  Romanization: peu-ro-jek-teu bo-go-seo-e tta-reu-myeon il-jeong-i jo-geum neu-jeo-ji-go it-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: According to the project report, the schedule is currently running slightly behind.
  “보고서” is the source of the information in the following clause.
• Example: 새로운 일정에 맞춰 업무 계획을 다시 조정했습니다.
  Romanization: sae-ro-un il-jeong-e mat-chwo eom-mu gye-hoe-geul da-si jo-jeong-hae-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: We readjusted the work plan to match the new schedule.
  The staff actively changed the work plan to fit the new schedule, so “에 맞춰” is used.

All three sentences can be translated into English with phrases such as “according to” or “based on,” but Korean does not choose the grammar from the English wording. The key is whether the preceding noun is a rule, an information source, or a target that someone actively adjusts to.

Which Verbs Commonly Appear with Korean “에 따라”?

“에 따라” itself only expresses the relationship between two parts of a sentence. The verb that follows determines whether the whole sentence describes a change, a decision, or an action. Common expressions include “다르다,” “달라지다,” “바뀌다,” “결정되다,” “정하다,” and “조정하다.”

“에 따라 다르다／달라지다” Means “It Depends on…” or “Varies According to…”

“에 따라 다르다” is an extremely common combination and can be understood as “varies according to,” “differs depending on,” or simply “it depends.”

• Example: 가격은 날짜에 따라 달라요.
  Romanization: ga-gyeo-geun nal-jja-e tta-ra dal-la-yo.
  Translation: The price varies depending on the date.
  Different dates have different prices, so “날짜” is the basis for variation.
• Example: 사람에 따라 생각이 다를 수 있어요.
  Romanization: sa-ram-e tta-ra saeng-ga-gi da-reul su i-sseo-yo.
  Translation: People may think differently depending on the person.
  Different people may have different opinions, so the sentence does not treat one viewpoint as universal.
• Example: 결과는 선택에 따라 달라질 수 있습니다.
  Romanization: gyeol-gwa-neun seon-tae-ge tta-ra dal-la-jil su it-sseum-ni-da.
  Translation: The result may vary depending on the choice.
  When the choice changes, the final result may change as well.

“에 따라 결정되다” Means That a Result Is Determined by a Condition

If a result cannot be decided until the preceding factor is known, “에 따라 결정되다” can be used. This is common for things such as fees, dates, arrangements, and eligibility that have not yet been fixed.

• Example: 출발 시간은 날씨에 따라 결정됩니다.
  Romanization: chul-bal si-ga-neun nal-ssi-e tta-ra gyeol-jeong-doem-ni-da.
  Translation: The departure time will be determined depending on the weather.
  The weather must be checked before the departure time can be finalized.
• Example: 좌석은 예약 순서에 따라 결정됩니다.
  Romanization: jwa-seo-geun ye-yak sun-seo-e tta-ra gyeol-jeong-doem-ni-da.
  Translation: Seats are assigned according to the order of reservation.
  The order in which reservations were made becomes the standard for seat assignment.
• Example: 추가 비용은 이용 시간에 따라 결정돼요.
  Romanization: chu-ga bi-yong-eun i-yong si-ga-ne tta-ra gyeol-jeong-dwae-yo.
  Translation: Additional fees are determined according to usage time.
  How long the service is used affects the final fee, so “에 따라 결정되다” is appropriate.

Korean “에 따라” in Announcements, Travel, and Everyday Conversation

“에 따라” is especially useful in situations where a standard needs to be made clear. Travel schedules may change depending on the weather, service rules may follow company policies, and when talking about taste or lifestyle preferences, expressions such as “사람에 따라” and “지역에 따라” help leave room for individual differences.

Scenario ①｜Confirming Company Leave Application Rules

A：휴가 신청은 언제까지 해야 하나요?
　　hyu-ga sin-cheong-eun eon-je-kka-ji hae-ya ha-na-yo?
　　By when do I need to submit a leave request?

B：회사 규정에 따라 사흘 전까지 제출해야 해요.
　　hoe-sa gyu-jeong-e tta-ra sa-heul jeon-kka-ji je-chul-hae-ya hae-yo.
　　According to company regulations, it must be submitted three days in advance.

📌 Grammar Point: “회사 규정” is the basis for the application deadline, so “에 따라” indicates that the action follows an existing rule.

Scenario ②｜Checking Whether a Travel Schedule Might Change

A：비가 많이 와도 예정대로 출발해요?
　　bi-ga ma-ni wa-do ye-jeong-dae-ro chul-ba-rae-yo?
　　Will we still leave as planned even if it rains heavily?

B：아니요. 날씨에 따라 일정이 변경될 수 있어요.
　　a-ni-yo. nal-ssi-e tta-ra il-jeong-i byeon-gyeong-doel su i-sseo-yo.
　　Not necessarily. The schedule may change depending on the weather.

📌 Grammar Point: Weather is not a rule. It is a condition that may cause the schedule to change, so “depending on the weather” is the natural interpretation.

Scenario ③｜Asking How Spicy a Dish Is

A：이 찌개는 많이 매워요?
　　i jji-gae-neun ma-ni mae-wo-yo?
　　Is this stew very spicy?

B：사람에 따라 다르지만, 보통은 조금 매운 편이에요.
　　sa-ram-e tta-ra da-reu-ji-man bo-tong-eun jo-geum mae-un pyeo-ni-e-yo.
　　It depends on the person, but generally it is a little spicy.

📌 Grammar Point: “사람에 따라 다르다” means that different people may perceive it differently. By acknowledging individual variation before giving a general evaluation, the speaker avoids treating one reaction as universal.

Cultural Notes:

1. “사람에 따라 다르다” is a very useful Korean expression for leaving room for individual differences. When discussing taste, personality, work styles, or travel preferences, if there is no single correct answer, this structure makes the variation clear.
2. Announcements and service information frequently use sentences such as “상황에 따라 변경될 수 있습니다” and “날씨에 따라 취소될 수 있습니다.” These expressions are not avoiding a clear answer. They simply explain in advance which external conditions may cause plans to change.
3. Although “에 따르면” also comes from “따르다,” its function has become quite fixed. When news, surveys, reports, statistics, or someone’s statement appears before “에 따르면,” it should normally be understood as “according to this source,” rather than confused with the condition-based meaning of “에 따라.”

How Does Korean “에 따라” Compare with Japanese “〜に従って,” “〜に応じて,” and “〜によって”?

Korean “에 따라” has a broad range of use, so it does not always correspond to a single Japanese grammar pattern. When the preceding noun is a regulation, instruction, or policy, Japanese “〜に従って” is very close. When the following clause changes according to needs, ability, or conditions, “〜に応じて” is common. When differences depend on people, regions, or categories, “〜によって” is often the closest equivalent.

◆ Similar Grammar ①: Japanese “〜に従って”

“〜に従って” means following a rule, instruction, policy, or order, making it very close to Korean expressions such as “규정에 따라” and “지시에 따라.”

• Example: 規則に従って手続きを進めてください。
  Kana: きそくにしたがっててつづきをすすめてください。
  Translation: Please proceed with the procedure according to the rules.
  This corresponds to Korean “규정에 따라 절차를 진행해 주세요,” with the preceding noun functioning as the standard that must be followed.
• Example: 案内に従って入力してください。
  Kana: あんないにしたがってにゅうりょくしてください。
  Translation: Please enter the information according to the instructions.
  This corresponds to “안내에 따라 입력해 주세요.” Both sentences mean completing an action by following instructions.
• Example: 計画に従って作業を進めます。
  Kana: けいかく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 plan.
  The plan serves as the basis for the action, making this close to the standard-following use of “에 따라.”

◆ Similar Grammar ②: Japanese “〜に応じて”

“〜に応じて” means making corresponding changes according to conditions, needs, abilities, or circumstances. Korean expressions such as “상황에 따라,” “필요에 따라,” and “수요에 따라” often have similar uses.

• Example: 状況に応じて予定を変更します。
  Kana: じょうきょうにおうじてよていをへんこうします。
  Translation: We will change the schedule depending on the situation.
  This corresponds to “상황에 따라 일정을 변경합니다.” When the circumstances change, the arrangements are adjusted accordingly.
• Example: 年齢に応じて運動量を調整してください。
  Kana: ねんれいにおうじてうんどうりょうをちょうせいしてください。
  Translation: Please adjust the amount of exercise according to age.
  Different age groups require different adjustments, making this close to Korean “연령에 따라.”
• Example: 必要に応じて追加してください。
  Kana: ひつようにおうじてついかしてください。
  Translation: Please add more as needed.
  Korean can say “필요에 따라 추가해 주세요.” Both expressions mean deciding whether to act according to necessity.

◆ Similar Grammar ③: Japanese “〜によって”

“〜によって” can indicate differences depending on type, person, or situation, making Japanese “人によって” and “地域によって” very close to Korean “사람에 따라” and “지역에 따라.” However, Japanese “〜によって” can also express cause, method, and the agent in passive sentences, and those uses cannot all be translated with Korean “에 따라.”

• Example: 人によって感じ方が違います。
  Kana: ひとによってかんじかたがちがいます。
  Translation: Perceptions differ from person to person.
  This corresponds to “사람에 따라 느끼는 방식이 달라요,” with people serving as the classification basis in both sentences.
• Example: 地域によって料金が違います。
  Kana: ちいきによってりょうきんがちがいます。
  Translation: Fees vary by region.
  This type of difference-based “〜によって” is very close to “지역에 따라.”
• Example: 季節によって営業時間が変わります。
  Kana: きせつによってえいぎょうじかんがかわります。
  Translation: Business hours change depending on the season.
  Different seasons produce different results, so this can be compared with “계절에 따라 영업시간이 달라집니다.”

◆ Core Difference from “에 따라”:

Korean “에 따라” can cover several relationships with a single form: following a rule, changing according to conditions, and differing by category. Japanese more often selects among “〜に従って,” “〜に応じて,” and “〜によって” depending on the focus of the sentence. For this reason, “에 따라” should not be memorized as having only one fixed Japanese equivalent. The role played by the preceding noun still needs to be examined first.

The most practical way to interpret “에 따라” is to temporarily avoid translating it into English. When you see “규정에 따라,” first identify the regulation as the basis for action. With “날씨에 따라,” identify the weather as a changing condition. With “사람에 따라,” understand people as the criterion for distinguishing different results.

The same method also works for “에 따르면” and “에 맞춰.” If the first noun simply provides information, “에 따르면” is more likely. If someone actively adjusts the following action to fit the first noun, “에 맞춰” is closer. Once these relationships are separated, expressions such as “according to,” “based on,” and “depending on” no longer need to be memorized word for word.

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