〜に沿って
along / in line with
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜に沿って” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜に沿って」 means "along / in line with". Structure: Noun + に沿って. This is a JLPT N2 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1把握に沿って作業を進めてください。
はあく に そって さぎょう を すすめて ください。
haaku ni sotte sagyou o susumete kudasai.
Please proceed with the work in line with the grasp.
At work
Example 2異動に沿って作業を進めてください。
いどう に そって さぎょう を すすめて ください。
idou ni sotte sagyou o susumete kudasai.
Please proceed with the work in line with the personnel transfer.
At work
Example 3提供に沿って作業を進めてください。
ていきょう に そって さぎょう を すすめて ください。
teikyou ni sotte sagyou o susumete kudasai.
Please proceed with the work in line with the provision.
At work
Example 4転換に沿って作業を進めてください。
てんかん に そって さぎょう を すすめて ください。
tenkan ni sotte sagyou o susumete kudasai.
Please proceed with the work in line with the switch.
At work
Example 5規模に沿って作業を進めてください。
きぼ に そって さぎょう を すすめて ください。
kibo ni sotte sagyou o susumete kudasai.
Please proceed with the work in line with the scale.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Please proceed with the work in line with the grasp.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜に沿って.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.