Translation and Meaning of: 従って - shitagate

The Japanese word 従って [したがって] is an essential term for those who want to master the language, especially in formal or written contexts. Its main meaning revolves around ideas like "therefore," "consequently," or "in accordance with," but its richness goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and correct usage to curiosities that make this expression unique in everyday Japanese.

If you've ever wondered how Japanese people logically connect ideas in speeches or texts, understanding 従って is an important step. Additionally, discovering how to memorize it and apply it in real situations can be the key to sounding more natural in the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you uncover these details in a practical way.

Meaning and use of 従って

従って is a conjunction that indicates a logical conclusion or consequence, similar to "therefore." It frequently appears in academic texts, formal documents, and even in more elaborate speeches. Unlike words like だから (which is more colloquial), 従って carries a more serious and structured tone.

An interesting detail is that it often comes at the beginning of sentences to mark a clear transition between ideas. For example, in an argumentative text, you can use it to introduce a conclusion based on previously presented facts. This function makes it indispensable for anyone who wants to write or speak accurately in Japanese.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 従 (ジュウ, したが・う) has ancient roots and carries meanings such as "to follow" or "to obey." When combined with the verb 従う (したがう - to follow, to obey), it becomes clear how 従って has evolved to express consequence or logical alignment. This connection to the idea of "following a line of reasoning" helps to understand why the word is used in formal contexts.

It's worth noting that the kanji 従 also appears in other words such as 従業員 (じゅうぎょういん - employee) or 従来 (じゅうらい - traditional). Although these terms have different meanings, the notion of "following" or "being subordinate" remains as a common thread. This etymological consistency is one of the beauties of Japanese.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fixate on 従って is to associate it with situations where a conclusion is inevitable. Think of sentences like: "I studied hard, 従って, I passed the exam." This type of construction helps internalize not only the meaning but also the natural position of the word in the sentence. Anki or other spaced repetition systems can be useful for practice.

Another valuable tip is to pay attention to the tone of the context. Since 従って sounds more formal, avoid using it in casual conversations with friends. Instead, opt for it in essays, professional emails, or presentations. Observing its use in newspaper articles or public speeches can also provide a clearer idea of its application.

Curiosities and common mistakes

A common mistake among students is to confuse 従って with だから or それで, which have similar functions but different levels of formality. While だから is casual and versatile, 従って requires a more structured context. Understanding these nuances is crucial to avoid sounding artificial or inappropriate.

Culturally, the precise use of 従って reflects the Japanese appreciation for clarity and hierarchy in communications. In corporate or academic environments, using it correctly demonstrates mastery not only of the language but also of social conventions. It’s one of those details that can make a difference in the impression you convey.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 従い (shitagai) - follow, obey
• したがって (shitagatte) - Therefore, following this
• それに応じて (sore ni oujite) - In response to this, as per
• それに従って (sore ni shitagatte) - Following this, according to this
• それに基づいて (sore ni motozuite) - Based on this, grounded in this
• それに沿って (sore ni sotte) - Throughout this, according to this
• それに則って (sore ni norotte) - Accordingly, following the rules of
• それに従い (sore ni shitagai) - Following this, complying with this
• それに従えば (sore ni shitagai ba) - By following this, by obeying this
• それに従うと (sore ni shitagau to) - If you follow this, considering this
• それに従わねば (sore ni shitagawaneba) - It is necessary to follow this, one must obey.
• それに従わなければ (sore ni shitagawanakereba) - If you don't follow this, if you don't obey
• それに従いまして (sore ni shitagaimashite) - Following this, in a polite manner
• それに従いましょう (sore ni shitagaimashou) - Let's follow this, suggesting to follow
• それに従いました (sore ni shitagaimashita) - I followed this, I obeyed this
• それに従いません (sore ni shitagaimasen) - I don't follow this, I don't obey this.
• それに従わないと (sore ni shitagawanai to) - If you do not follow this, if you do not obey this
• それに従わない場合 (sore ni shitagawanai baai) - If you do not follow this, if you do not obey
• それに従わなければならない (sore ni shitagawanakereba naranai) - This needs to be followed.
• それに従わなければいけない (sore ni shitagawanakereba ikenai) - It is necessary to follow this.

従って

Romaji: shitagate
Kana: したがって
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: therefore; consequently; according to

Meaning in English: therefore;consequently;in accordance with

Definition: Therefore: Follow the words and actions of others. seguirl.

Example Sentences - (従って) shitagate

See below some example sentences:

本能に従って行動する。

Hon'nō ni shitagatte kōdō suru

Acting on instinct.

Act on instinct.

• 本能に - instinct
• 従って - follow
• 行動する - Act

Translation - Act following instinct.

慣例に従って行動する

Kanrei ni shitagatte koudou suru

Act according to tradition.

Act according to customs

• 慣例 (kanrei) - costume, common practice
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or state in accordance with the previous term
• 従って (shitagatte) - according to, following
• 行動する (koudou suru) - act, take action

この書類には指定されたフォーマットに従って記入してください。

Kono shorui ni wa shitei sareta formatto ni shitagatte kinyuu shite kudasai

Please complete this document in the specified format.

Complete this document according to the specified format.

• この - this
• 書類 - Document
• には - indicates a location or a target
• 指定された - specified
• フォーマット - Format
• に従って - according to
• 記入してください - fill in

誘導に従って進んでください。

Yūdō ni shitagatte susunde kudasai

Sure, please provide the text that you would like to have translated.

Please provide the text you would like to be translated from Portuguese to English.

• 誘導 - recommendation, guidance
• に - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 従って - according to, following
• 進んで - move forward, proceed
• ください - Please, make.

改定されたルールに従って行動してください。

Kaitē sareta rūru ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow the revised rules and act according to them.

Act according to the revised rules.

• 改定された - amended, revised
• ルール - rule
• に従って - according to, following
• 行動 - action, behavior
• してください - Please, make.

宿命に従って進む。

Shukumei ni shitagatte susumu

Move forward according to destiny.

Proceed according to destination.

• 宿命 - destiny, fate
• に - particle that indicates destination or direction
• 従って - following, according to
• 進む - move forward, proceed

固定されたルールに従って行動してください。

Kotei sareta ruuru ni shitagatte koudou shite kudasai

Please, follow the established rules and act accordingly.

I'm sorry, I can only assist with translations. Please provide the text you would like to have translated.

• 固定された - fixed, unchanging
• ルール - rule
• に従って - following, according to
• 行動 - action, behavior
• してください - Please, make.

原則に従って行動する。

Gensoku ni shitagatte koudou suru

Act according to principles.

Act on principle.

• 原則 (gensoku) - principle, fundamental rule
• に (ni) - particle of indication of location or time
• 従って (shitagatte) - following, according to
• 行動 (koudou) - action, behavior
• する (suru) - verb "to do"

この命令に従って行動してください。

Kono meirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow the instructions in this command.

Please act according to this request.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 命令 - noun that means "order" or "command"
• に - particle that indicates action or destination
• 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
• 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
• ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"

この指令に従って行動してください。

Kono shirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow these instructions and take the necessary action.

Please act according to this command.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 指令 - noun that means "order" or "instruction"
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
• 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
• 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
• ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"