-에 따라(서)
According to, Depending on
-에 따라(서) is a particle-like expression attached to nouns. It has two main meanings: 'according to' a rule or standard, and 'depending on' a changing situation or variable.
How It Works
This pattern is versatile and used frequently in both spoken and written Korean. The inclusion of 서 is optional and often omitted, especially in writing, with little change in meaning. Let's break down its two main functions.
1. According to / Based on a Standard
This usage signifies that an action or result conforms to a pre-existing standard, rule, law, plan, or instruction. The noun preceding -에 따라(서) is the basis for what follows.
- 법에 따라: according to the law
- 규칙에 따라: according to the rules
- 계획에 따라서: according to the plan
- 지시에 따라서: according to the instructions
In this sense, it is very similar to -대로 and -에 의하면.
2. Depending on / Varies by a Condition
This usage indicates that the result or situation described in the second clause is variable and contingent upon the noun. The noun is not a fixed rule, but a factor that can change, leading to different outcomes. The following clause often includes verbs like 다르다 (to be different), 바뀌다 (to change), or describes a range of possibilities.
- 사람에 따라: depending on the person
- 상황에 따라: depending on the situation
- 날씨에 따라서: depending on the weather
- 장소에 따라서: depending on the place
This usage highlights variation and contingency.
Examples (5)
- 계획에 따라서 모든 일이 순조롭게 진행되고 있어요.
Everything is proceeding smoothly according to the plan.
Word by Word: According to the plan, all work is proceeding smoothly.
This shows the 'according to' meaning. The plan (계획) is the standard that is being followed.
- 사람에 따라 선호하는 색깔이 달라요.
The colors people prefer are different depending on the person.
Word by Word: Depending on the person, the preferred color is different.
This shows the 'depending on' meaning. The person (사람) is the variable factor that determines the preference for colors.
- 의사의 지시에 따라 약을 하루 세 번 먹어야 해요.
You have to take the medicine three times a day according to the doctor's instructions.
Word by Word: According to the doctor's instructions, you must take medicine three times a day.
- 지역에 따라 사용하는 사투리가 다릅니다.
The dialect used is different depending on the region.
Word by Word: Depending on the region, the dialect used is different.
- 결과는 노력에 따라 달라질 수 있습니다.
The result can change depending on the effort.
Word by Word: Depending on effort, the result can change.
Common Mistakes
Attaching -에 따라(서) directly to verbs or adjectives.
Not Quite날씨가 춥다에 따라서 옷을 다르게 입어요.Better날씨에 따라서 옷을 다르게 입어요.-에 따라(서) must be attached to a noun. Instead of using an adjective like 춥다 (to be cold), you must use the related noun 날씨 (weather).
Confusing it with -니까 (because) for giving a specific reason.
Different Meaning시험에 따라 열심히 공부했어요.Better시험이 있으니까 열심히 공부했어요.-에 따라(서) indicates a variable condition ('depending on the test, my study method changes') or a standard ('according to the test rules...'). To state a direct reason for a single action ('I studied hard because there was a test'), use a causal conjunction like -(으)니까 or -아/어서.
Related Patterns
- -대로As, According to
Similar to the 'according to' meaning. -대로 often implies following something exactly as it is (e.g., 지시대로 - exactly as instructed), while -에 따라(서) means 'based on' or 'in accordance with' (지시에 따라). They are often interchangeable in this context.
- -에 의하면According to
Very similar to the 'according to' meaning, especially when citing a source of information like news, a study, or a person. '뉴스에 의하면' and '뉴스에 따르면' both mean 'according to the news' and are largely interchangeable. -에 의하면 can feel slightly more formal and is common for citing sources.
- -마다Every, Each
Both can express variation. However, -마다 means 'each' or 'every' and focuses on individual items in a set (e.g., 나라마다 문화가 다르다 - Every country's culture is different). -에 따라(서) focuses on the category or condition that causes the variation (e.g., 나라에 따라 문화가 다르다 - Culture is different depending on the country). They are often very close in meaning.
- -ㄴ지/는지Whether, If
This is an extended form where -에 따라(서) is attached to the nominalized clause -(으)ㄴ/는지 ('whether/if'). This allows you to express 'depending on whether/what/who/how...'. For example, '누가 오는지에 따라 메뉴가 바뀔 거예요' (The menu will change depending on who comes).