に沿って

Along, In Line with

Level 3Sounds Like nisotte

に沿って（にそって） is used when you are following a specific line, path, or set of guidelines. It literally means 'along' for physical things like rivers, and 'in accordance with' for abstract things like plans or manuals.

How It Works

に沿って attaches directly to nouns. It is derived from the verb 沿う（そう）, which means 'to run along' or 'to parallel.' It has three main forms:

  • 〜に沿って: The adverbial form used to describe how an action is performed (e.g., 'walking along the river').
  • 〜に沿い: A formal, written version often found in business reports.
  • 〜に沿った: The adjective form used to modify a following noun (e.g., 'a plan that follows the policy').

This pattern is essential for discussing adherence to specific frameworks. Common collocations include 方針（ほうしん - policy）, 期待（きたい - expectations）, 計画（けいかく - plan）, and マニュアル (manual). Unlike に従って, which can express proportional change ('as one thing changes, another does'), に沿って is limited to following a path or vision and cannot be used for 'as... then...' changes.

Examples (5)

  1. 線に沿って紙を切ってください。

    Please cut the paper along the line.

    Word by Word: Line along paper cut please.

    This is the literal physical use, indicating following a visible line.

  2. 川に沿って散歩するのが好きです。

    I like taking a walk along the river.

    Word by Word: River along walk doing (topic) like is.

    Used here for a physical path that has length, like a river or a road.

  3. このマニュアルに沿って作業を進めてください。

    Please proceed with the work in accordance with this manual.

    Word by Word: This manual along work proceed please.

    This is the abstract use, meaning to follow instructions or guidelines exactly.

  4. 会社の方針に沿った計画を立てる必要があります。

    It is necessary to make a plan that is in line with the company policy.

    Word by Word: Company's policy along-past plan (object) make necessity exists.

    Here, に沿った modifies the noun 'plan' (計画), showing the plan aligns with the policy.

  5. お客様のご希望に沿えるよう、努力いたします。

    We will make every effort to meet (align with) the customer's wishes.

    Word by Word: Customer's wishes along-can so that, effort do (humble).

    Using the potential form (沿える) to express the ability to meet or align with expectations.

Common Mistakes

  • Using に沿って to follow a person.

    先生に沿って歩きました。
    先生について歩きました。

    に沿って is for paths or standards, not people. To follow behind a person, use についていく.

  • Using the particle を instead of に.

    道を沿って行きます。
    道に沿って行きます。

    The verb 沿う (sou) requires the particle に to indicate the path being followed.

How It Connects

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

に沿ってLevel 3Along, In Line with

Learn This First

に沿って (ni sotte) is the te-form of the verb 沿う (to run along/follow). To understand this pattern, you need to be familiar with the te-form conjugation and how the particle に marks the reference point or path that is being followed.

Words in This Pattern

に沿って沿う