Posted inN1 Grammar

Mastering ～に則って (ni nottotte): Acting in Accordance with Rules and Principles

Posted inN1 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

Indicates that an action or decision is carried out strictly following or conforming to rules, laws, principles, or customs.

🎯 Primary Function

To express that an action or decision is done “in accordance with,” “based on,” or “following” established rules, laws, principles, or traditions, often implying strict adherence.

📋 Grammar Structure

Noun + に則って (ni nottotte)

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Frequently used in formal settings, business, legal contexts, and official statements.

😊 Informal Situations

Rarely used in casual conversation.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in written Japanese, such as reports, articles, legal documents, and formal communication.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in formal speeches, presentations, or discussions about procedures and rules, but less common in daily spoken language.

💡 Common Applications

Following laws and regulations
Used when an action must strictly comply with legal statutes.
Example: 法律に則って、適正な手続きを行います。 (Hōritsu ni nottotte, tekiseina tetsuzuki o okonaimasu. – We will carry out the appropriate procedures in accordance with the law.)
Adhering to company rules or procedures
Used when an action is done exactly as dictated by internal company rules or standard operating procedures.
Example: 会社の規定に則って、経費精算を申請してください。 (Kaisha no kitei ni nottotte, keihi seisan o shinsei shite kudasai. – Please apply for expense reimbursement according to company regulations.)
Following traditions or customs
Used when an event or action is performed strictly according to established customs or traditions.
Example: 古くからの慣習に則って、結婚式が執り行われた。 (Furuku kara no kanshū ni nottotte, kekkonshiki ga toriokonawareta. – The wedding ceremony was held according to ancient customs.)
📊
Frequency
Moderately frequent in formal and written contexts, less frequent in daily conversation.
🎚️
Difficulty
JLPT N1
Example Sentences
憲法に則って、国民の権利は守られるべきだ。
In accordance with the constitution, the rights of the citizens should be protected.
契約書の条項に則って、代金が支払われた。
Payment was made according to the terms and conditions of the contract.
社内ルールに則って、この件は処理します。
We will handle this matter according to the internal company rules.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Strict adherence
～に則って emphasizes strict and faithful adherence to what is specified by the noun.
Example: 法律に則って (strictly following the law) implies no deviation.
Formal context
This pattern is mainly used in formal, official, or written contexts.
Example: You wouldn’t typically use it when talking about following a friend’s suggestion in casual conversation.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using it with concrete nouns or actions.
✅ Only use it with abstract nouns representing rules, principles, etc.
You wouldn’t say 「友達のアドバイスに則って」 (following a friend’s advice) because advice is not a formal rule or principle in this sense. Use 「友達のアドバイスに従って」 (ni shitagatte) instead.
❌ Using it in casual conversation.
✅ Reserve it for formal or written contexts.
In casual speech, simpler patterns like ～通りに (tōri ni) or ～に従って (ni shitagatte) are more common.

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: High. It is a formal expression.
Social Situations: Appropriate in business meetings, legal discussions, official announcements, formal writing, and academic papers.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese grammar, no significant regional variations in usage.

🔍 Subtle Differences

～に則って vs. ～に従って
に則って implies strict adherence to formal rules/principles. に従って is more general and can mean simply following or obeying, including instructions or suggestions.
When to use: Use に則って for formal, established rules/laws/principles. Use に従って for more general following, instructions, or advice.
～に則って vs. ～に基づいて
に則って focuses on conforming to existing rules/standards. に基づいて focuses on using information or evidence as the foundation for something.
When to use: Use に則って when emphasizing adherence to a standard/rule. Use に基づいて when emphasizing the source of information or reason.
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When to use: undefined

📝 Conjugation Notes

Attaches directly to nouns. No verbal conjugation required.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

Pronounced “ni nottotte”. The っ (small tsu) indicates a geminate (double) consonant sound before the following と (to). Ensure the slight pause and emphasis on the “t”.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of 「則」 (soku) meaning “rule” or “norm”. ～に則って literally means “following/conforming to the rule/norm”.

Practice Exercises
会議は定められた（　）に則って進行した。
時間
メンバー
規定
場所
この決定は、会社の（　）に則って行われました。
利益
歴史
方針
雰囲気
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