Japanese word

従う

Pronunciation

Romajishitagau

Meaning

  • verbfollow

Example

ルールに従います。rū ru ni shitaga i ma su

I follow the rules.

Illustration for 従う (follow)

More examples

学校のきまりに従います。gak kō no ki ma ri ni shitaga i ma su

I follow the school rules.

係員の指示に従ってください。kakari in no shi ji ni shitaga tte ku da sa i

Please follow the staff member's instructions.

Core concept

It means acting in the direction set by a rule, instruction, person, or standard rather than choosing an independent course.

Common phrases

  • 指示に従うshi ji ni shitaga u

    follow instructions

  • ルールに従うrū ru ni shitaga u

    follow the rules

  • 人の意見に従うhito no i ken ni shitaga u

    follow someone's advice

Similar words

守るmamoru: To act according to a rule, promise, or instruction.
ついて行くtsuiteiku: To go along with a person or group as it moves.
倣うnarau: To use a person or model as a guide for one's actions.

Definition in Japanese

定めや指示などを受け入れ、それに沿って行動すること。sada me ya shi ji na do o u ke i re so re ni so tte kō dō su ru ko to

Word origin

従う (shitagau) is an inherited Japanese verb with no secure loanword source or confirmed internal breakdown; 従 (jū, "follow") later served as its meaning-based written form.

Usage tips

  • 従う (shitagau) can describe following a person's lead as well as obeying a rule, so context determines whether "follow" or "obey" is the better English choice.

Other meanings

  • obeyverb
  • abide by ___verb

Opposites

Related words

  • 従順jūjunobedientna-adjective

Word lists with this word