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in the way; as...
Definition
The grammar pattern ～とおりに (toori ni) indicates that an action is performed exactly following a model, instructions, or a thought. It is used to describe the manner in which something is done, and it can be used with nouns or verbs. When used with nouns, the pattern is no + toori, and when used with verbs, the dictionary or ta-form of the verb is used with toori. This pattern is often used to emphasize that something is done in a specific way, following a particular model or instruction.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun form with no | no + toori | 説明書の______、組み立ててください。 |
| Dictionary form with toori | Verb dictionary form + toori | 私が書く______とおりに、書いてください。 |
| Ta-form with toori | Verb ta-form + toori | 計画の______、仕事が進んでいます。 |
Examples
説明書の______、組み立ててください。
seikou sho no toori, kumi tae te kudasai.
Assemble it according to the manual.
説明書の (manual) + の (possessive particle) + とおりに (in the way) +、 (conjunction) + 組み立ててください (assemble it)
私が______とおりに、書いてください。
watashi ga kaku toori ni, kaite kudasai.
Write it as I write it.
私が (I) + かく (write) + とおりに (in the way) +、 (conjunction) + 書いてください (write it)
計画の______、仕事が進んでいます。
keikaku no toori, shigoto ga susunde imasu.
The work is progressing according to the plan.
計画の (plan) + の (possessive particle) + とおりに (in the way) +、 (conjunction) + 仕事が進んでいます (the work is progressing)
Context
This pattern is used to describe the manner in which something is done, and it can be used with nouns or verbs. It is often used to emphasize that something is done in a specific way, following a particular model or instruction. In formal writing, this pattern is often used to describe the manner in which something is done, while in informal writing, it is often used to describe the way something is done in a more general sense.
Watch out
The correct pattern is no + toori, not just 'ni' with the noun form.
～ように is used to describe the purpose or resemblance of something, while ～とおりに is used to describe the manner in which something is done.
The correct pattern is to use the dictionary or ta-form of the verb with toori, not the -te form.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form and to use the pattern to describe the manner in which something is done. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with ～ように, which is used to describe the purpose or resemblance of something.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～とおりに (toori ni) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
説明書のとおりに、組み立ててください。
Pattern used: とおりに
Nouns require 'no toori ni' or just 'toori ni' if the noun is a specific model.
私が言ったとおりに、書いてください。
Pattern used: 言った
Verb (past or dictionary form) + toori ni means 'exactly as [verb]'.
計画のとおりに、仕事が進んでいます。
Pattern used: とおりに
Means the work is progressing exactly as planned.
Interactive
説明書の______、組み立ててください。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.