N3 · Structured courses

～ni Sotte: Along / According To

Learn ni sotte for "along / in accordance with" guidelines, routes, or rules. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn ni sotte for "along / in accordance with" guidelines, routes, or rules.
  • Form and connection: [Noun] に沿そって
  • Nuance in real use: に沿って implies a "don't deviate from the established path" attitude — whether walking along a river or following company policy, the essence is "following the existing track."

Form and connection

[Noun] に沿そって

Core Explanation

Learn ni sotte for "along / in accordance with" guidelines, routes, or rules.

Cultural Note

に沿って implies a "don't deviate from the established path" attitude — whether walking along a river or following company policy, the essence is "following the existing track."

Practical examples

If you walk along the river, you'll reach the park.
Please follow the established procedure.
We will make a plan in accordance with the policy.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun] に沿そって
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerIf you walk along the river, you'll reach the park.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer方針ほうしんに沿そって計画けいかくを立たてます。 ([Noun] に沿そって)

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