沿う

そう
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

To run along or beside something (e.g. a river, road, or line); to follow the course of.

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

川に沿って細い道が続いている。

A narrow path continues along the river.

線路に沿って歩いたら駅に着いた。

I walked along the tracks and arrived at the station.

海岸線に沿う道は景色がいい。

The road that runs along the coastline has a nice view.

2

To follow or act in accordance with a policy, plan, or guideline; to align with.

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

会社の方針に沿って計画を立てた。

I made the plan in line with the company's policy.

社内規定に沿う形で進めてください。

Please proceed in a manner that follows the company rules.

要求に沿って商品を改良した。

We improved the product according to the requirements.

3

To meet or satisfy someone's wishes, expectations, or requests; to live up to. (Often written 添う for this nuance.)

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

彼の期待に沿う結果を出せなかった。

I couldn't produce results that met his expectations.

お客様の要望に添うサービスを提供したい。

We want to provide services that meet the customer's requests.

子どもの気持ちに沿った対応が大切だ。

It's important to respond in a way that takes the child's feelings into account.

Masu-Form沿います
Nai-Form沿わない
Ta-Form沿った
Te-Form沿って
Ba-Form沿えば
Volitional Form沿おう
Imperative Form沿え
Potential Form沿える
Passive Form沿われる
Causative Form沿わせる
Causative Passive Form沿わせられる