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Along with; in accordance with
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞＋に沿って／名詞＋に沿った＋名詞" is used to express that something is done in accordance with a pre-existing path, guideline, or standard. It emphasizes following a pre-existing path or standard without deviation. This pattern can be used in various contexts, such as physically following a river or road, or following a manual or plan. It is essential to understand the nuance of this pattern to avoid confusing it with other similar patterns, such as "～に従って" or "～に基づいて".
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 動詞の連用形 | 名詞＋に沿って／名詞＋に沿った＋名詞 | 川に沿って歩いていくと、大きな公園に着きます。 |
| 動詞の連用形 | 名詞＋に沿って／名詞＋に沿った＋名詞 | マニュアルに沿って作業を進めてください。 |
| 形容詞の連用形 | 名詞＋に沿った＋名詞 | この道路に沿った景色は美しいです。 |
Examples
この川に沿ってずっと歩いていくと、大きな公園に着きます。
Kono kawa ni itte, zutto aruite ikite, ōkina kōen ni tsukimashita.
If you walk along the river for a long time, you will arrive at a large park.
この川に沿って (following the river), ずっと歩いていくと (for a long time), 大きな公園に着きます (arrive at a large park)
マニュアルに沿って作業を進めてください。
Manēraru ni itte, sagyou o tsukamete kudasai.
Please proceed with the work according to the manual.
マニュアルに沿って (according to the manual), 作業を進めてください (proceed with the work)
この道路に沿った景色は美しいです。
Kono dōro ni itta keiseki wa utsukushii desu.
The scenery along this road is beautiful.
この道路に沿った (along this road), 景色は (scenery is), 美しいです (beautiful)
Context
This pattern is used to express that something is done in accordance with a pre-existing path, guideline, or standard. It is essential to use this pattern when describing a physical path or a guideline. In formal writing, it is common to use the pattern "名詞＋に沿った＋名詞" to describe the scenery or environment.
Watch out
The pattern "～に従って" is used to express that something is done according to a change or command, whereas "～に沿って" is used to express that something is done in accordance with a pre-existing path or guideline.
The pattern "～に基づいて" is used to express that something is done based on a foundation or principle, whereas "～に沿って" is used to express that something is done in accordance with a pre-existing path or guideline.
The pattern "～に従って" is used to express that something is done according to a change or command, whereas "～に沿った" is used to describe the scenery or environment.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and the nuance of the sentence. Make sure to use the correct pattern to express the intended meaning. Practice using this pattern in different contexts to improve your understanding and accuracy.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞＋に沿って／名詞＋に沿った＋名詞 used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
この川に沿ってずっと歩いていくと、大きな公園に着きます。
Pattern used: に沿って
Physically following a line like a river (川) uses 'に沿って'.
マニュアルに沿って作業を進めてください。
Pattern used: に沿って
Following a manual or guidelines precisely uses 'に沿って'.
お客様の希望に沿ったプランを立てるのが、私たちの役目です。
Pattern used: に沿った
The plan follows the 'path' of the customer's wishes; 'に沿った' modifies 'プラン'.
Interactive
この川______ずっと歩いていくと、大きな公園に着きます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.