Grammar › Reference & Basis
に沿って — “in line with, along”
Says something follows a set path, plan, or guideline closely
Noun + に沿って describes following a fixed line — literally (沿う originally means to run alongside, like a road hugging a river) or figuratively, staying in line with a plan, guideline, or set of expectations — “in line with X, following X closely.”
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + に沿って | マニュアルに沿って作業する — Work following the manual |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 計画に沿って、工事を進めています。 | けいかくにそって、こうじをすすめています。 keikakunisotte、koujiwosusumeteimasu。 | We're proceeding with construction in line with the plan. |
| 川に沿って歩くと、公園に着きます。 | かわにそってあるくと、こうえんにつきます。 kawanisottearukuto、kouennitsukimasu。 | If you walk along the river, you'll reach the park. |
| 会社の方針に沿って行動してください。 | かいしゃのほうしんにそってこうどうしてください。 kaishanohoushinnisottekoudoushitekudasai。 | Please act in line with the company's policy. |
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Watch out
に沿って implies staying faithfully within an established line or plan — for basing a judgment on raw facts or data instead, に基づいて is the better fit.