に沿って
🃏 Flashcard
に沿って
ni sotte
Tap to reveal usage
along with; in accordance with
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
ni sotte
Post ID
51100
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
along with; in accordance with
📖 How to use it
Describes doing something in accordance with or along a guideline, policy, or plan.
Attaches to
Attach to a noun: [noun] + に沿って.
This pattern means 'along' or 'in accordance with' something like a rule, plan, or procedure. It is used when an action is taken following the direction or content of that thing. It is often used in business, school, or official contexts, and it is not used for physical directions like 'walk along the river' (that would be 沿いを歩く).
You can also use the form に沿った + noun to modify a noun, meaning 'that follows/in line with.' For example, 計画に沿った行動 means 'actions in line with the plan.' The pattern is slightly formal and more common in writing or official speech, but you will hear it in meetings and announcements too.
新しいルールに沿って、会議を進めます。
Atarashii ruuru ni sotte, kaigi o susumemasu.
We will proceed with the meeting in accordance with the new rules.
説明書に沿って、機械を組み立ててください。
Setsumeisho ni sotte, kikai o kumitatete kudasai.
Please assemble the machine following the instructions.
この計画に沿って進めれば、問題ないはずです。
Kono keikaku ni sotte susumereba, mondai nai hazu desu.
If we proceed according to this plan, there should be no problem.
Not に従って
に従って means 'in accordance with' but also includes the nuance of obeying authority or rules. に沿って is more about following a guideline or structure, not necessarily an order. For example, 法律に従って (obeying the law) but 計画に沿って (following a plan).
Register
Neutral to slightly formal; often used in written documents, announcements, and business speech, but acceptable in everyday conversation when talking about procedures.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
に沿って
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat に沿って three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using に沿って. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern に沿って mean?
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Along with; in accordance with
What JLPT level is に沿って?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use に沿って in a sentence?
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Attach に沿って (ni sotte) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is に沿って formal or casual Japanese?
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に沿って is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember に沿って long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.