〜に則り

In Accordance with

Level 6Sounds Like ninoriri

Use 〜に則り（にのっとり） to express that an action is being performed in strict adherence to a formal rule, law, or long-standing tradition. It is primarily used in legal, business, or ceremonial contexts.

How It Works

〜に則り is the conjunctive form (stem form) of the verb 則る（のっとる）, which means 'to model after' or 'to follow a rule.'

Key Characteristics:

  • Formal Register: It is an advanced expression found in written contracts, official reports, and formal speeches. It is not used in casual conversation.
  • Strict Adherence: Unlike general words for 'following,' this pattern emphasizes that the rule or standard is the absolute model for the behavior.
  • Common Nouns: It frequently follows words like 法律（ほうりつ - law）, 規約（きやく - agreement/code）, 伝統（でんとう - tradition）, or 慣習（かんしゅう - custom）.

Grammatical Variants:

  • 〜に則って（にのっとって）: The te-form version. It is also formal but slightly more common in spoken business contexts than the stem form.
  • 〜に則った（にのっとった）: The past/attributive form used to modify a noun (e.g., 'a ceremony following tradition').

Examples (4)

  1. 法律に則り、厳正に対処いたします。

    We will handle this strictly in accordance with the law.

    Word by Word: Law in-accordance-with, strict-ly deal-with will-do.

    This is a standard formal phrase used in legal or official business statements to show that rules are being followed exactly.

  2. スポーツマンシップに則り、正々堂々と戦うことを誓います。

    We swear to fight fair and square, in accordance with the spirit of sportsmanship.

    Word by Word: Sportsmanship in-accordance-with, fair-and-square fight that swear.

    This is a classic phrase used in Japanese opening ceremonies for sports competitions (Athlete's Oath).

  3. わが社は、社内規定に則って適正に運営されている。

    Our company is operated appropriately in accordance with internal regulations.

    Word by Word: Our-company (topic), internal-regulations in-accordance-with appropriately operate-d is-being.

    Using the te-form variant (〜に則って) makes the sentence slightly more natural for a business report while maintaining high formality.

  4. 古くからの伝統に則った儀式が執り行われた。

    A ceremony following ancient traditions was held.

    Word by Word: Old-from tradition in-accordance-with-that ceremony (subject) was-held.

    Here, 〜に則った modifies the noun 儀式（ぎしき - ceremony） to describe what kind of ceremony it was.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it for casual instructions or personal habits.

    レシピに則り、ケーキを焼いた。
    レシピ通りに、ケーキを焼いた。

    〜に則り is too stiff for cooking. For everyday instructions like recipes, use 〜通りに instead.

  • Confusing it with 'adapting to reality' (〜に即して).

    現状に則り、計画を変更する。
    現状に即して、計画を変更する。

    Use 〜に即して when you are adapting to 'facts' or 'reality.' Use 〜に則り only when you are following a 'fixed rule' or 'standard.'

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

〜に則りLevel 6In Accordance with

Learn This First

To understand '〜に則り', you need to be familiar with the particle 'に' used to mark a basis or standard. Additionally, since this is a formal expression, understanding the written continuative form (stem form) used to connect sentences is essential. Knowledge of similar functional patterns like 'に従って' helps in understanding the specific nuance of formal conformity.

Words in This Pattern

則る