There are times when you need to tell someone to act in accordance with instructions or rules.

Something like…
“Along with this plan…” or “In accordance with the rules…”
For example, “Please follow this order when placing requests,” or “In this area, please act according to the rules below.”

But it’s not only about abstract things like rules or plans, you can also use it in a physical sense. For example:
“Please walk along this wall.”

In Japanese, that’s when the grammar に沿って (ni sotte) comes in!
It’s an N2 grammar point that shows something is done in line with or following a certain standard, rule, or plan.

You’ll hear it in formal contexts like business, official documents, or news, but also in daily life when talking about rules, policies, physical directions, or even your own goals.

Shall we check it out?

にもとづいて (ni motozuite) → “based on”
Used when something is carried out on the basis of data, facts, or laws.

データにもとづいて結論を出します。
deeta ni motozuite ketsuron wo dashimasu.
We draw a conclusion based on the data.

にしたがって (ni shitagatte) → “according to, in obedience to”
Used when following rules, instructions, or a natural change. More formal than に沿って.

ルールにしたがって行動してください。
ruuru ni shitagatte koudou shite kudasai.
Please act according to the rules.

💡 Tip:
に沿って = “go along with” → nuance of moving in line with a plan, guideline, or even physically.
に基づいて = logical / data-based foundation.
に従って = obedience / following authority or changes.

計画に沿って進めましょう。
keikaku ni sotte susumemashou.
Let’s proceed in accordance with the plan.

川に沿って歩くと、駅が見えてきます。
kawa ni sotte aruku to, eki ga miete kimasu.
If you walk along the river, you’ll see the station.

この道に沿って進めば、市役所に着きます。
kono michi ni sotte susumeba, shiyakusho ni tsukimasu.
If you go along this road, you’ll arrive at city hall.

今日のプレゼンは、事前に配布した資料に沿って説明をします。
kyou no purezen ha, jizen ni haifushita shiryou ni sotte setsumei wo shimasu.
Today’s presentation will be explained according to the distributed materials.

お客様の希望に沿って、日本旅行プランを提案しました。
okyakusama no kibou ni sotte, nihon ryokou puran wo teian shimashita.
We proposed a Japan travel plan in line with the customer’s wishes.

先生はカリキュラムに沿ってレッスンを進めます。
sensei ha karikyuramu ni sotte ressun wo susumeru.
Teachers conduct lessons according to the curriculum.

💡Note on Structure:
に → particle showing direction / basis
沿って (sotte) → from the verb 沿う (sou), “to go along / to follow”
So literally, it feels like saying “to go along with ~.”

• Grammar Point: に沿って (ni sotte)
• JLPT Level: N2
• Meaning: Along with, in accordance with, following
• Quick Explanation: に沿って attaches to nouns and means that an action is carried out along with or according to something. It can refer to both abstract things (rules, plans, goals) and physical things (rivers, roads, walls).

So that’s how we use に沿って in Japanese!
It’s a flexible phrase that works both for formal situations, like following rules, plans, or policies, and for everyday directions, like walking along a road or river.

私のオンラインコースに沿って日本語学習を進めると、日本語力がしっかりつきますよ！
watashi no onrain koosu ni sotte Nihongo gakushuu wo susumeru to, nihongo ryoku ga shikkari tsukimasu yo!
If you study Japanese in line with my online course, your skills will grow steadily!

Now it’s your turn, try making your own sentences with に沿って.
What goals, rules, or paths do you want to follow?

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫🌸

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