Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
Following, in accordance with, based on, according to rules, customs, or principles.
🎯 Primary Function
To indicate that an action or decision is carried out in conformity with a specific rule, law, plan, custom, or principle.
📋 Grammar Structure
Noun + に則って
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Frequently used in formal settings, business contexts, legal documents, and official statements.
Informal Situations
Rarely used in casual conversation; sounds overly stiff and formal.
Written Language
Common in formal writing, reports, articles, contracts, and official announcements.
Spoken Language
Used in formal speeches, presentations, and official discussions, but not typical for everyday chat.
💡 Common Applications
Following laws and regulations
Used to express compliance with legal or official rules.
Example: 法律に則って手続きを進める。 (Hōritsu ni nottotte tetsuzuki o susumeru.) – We will proceed with the procedures in accordance with the law.
Adhering to customs and traditions
Used when following established customs, traditions, or social norms.
Example: 地域の伝統に則って祭りが開催される。 (Chiiki no dentō ni nottotte matsuri ga kaisai sareru.) – The festival will be held according to the local traditions.
Acting based on plans or principles
Used to indicate that actions are guided by a specific plan, policy, or set of principles.
Example: 会社の基本方針に則って事業を運営する。 (Kaisha no kihon hōshin ni nottotte jigyō o un’ei suru.) – We operate the business based on the company’s basic policy.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in formal and written Japanese, less frequent in daily spoken Japanese.
Difficulty
N1 – Requires understanding of formal contexts and nuanced distinctions from similar patterns.
Example Sentences
会議は規定に則って進行された。
The meeting proceeded according to the regulations.
契約書は国際法に則って作成された。
The contract was prepared in accordance with international law.
創業者の理念に則り、この事業は成功を収めた。
Following the founder’s philosophy, this business achieved success.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Usage with abstract nouns
〜に則って typically connects with nouns representing rules, laws, customs, principles, plans, procedures, etc.
Example: 〇 規則に則って (kisoku ni nottotte) – Following the rules
× 猫に則って (neko ni nottotte) – (Incorrect – cannot follow a cat in this sense)
Formality
This pattern is highly formal and suitable for formal speech and writing. Using it in casual conversation would sound unnatural.
Example: ビジネス会議での発言: 「弊社の規定に則って…」 (Heisha no kitei ni nottotte…) – “In accordance with our company’s regulations…” (Appropriate)
友達との会話: 「今日の遊び、ルールに則ってやろうぜ。」 (Kyō no asobi, rūru ni nottotte yarō ze.) – “Let’s play today according to the rules.” (Sounds too formal for casual talk)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using it with concrete nouns or actions instead of rules/principles.
✅ Ensure the preceding noun is an abstract concept like a rule, law, plan, or custom.
〜に則って refers to acting *according to* or *based on* established guidelines, not physically following something or someone.
❌ Using it in casual conversations.
✅ Reserve 〜に則って for formal or written contexts. Use more common expressions like 〜通りに or 〜に従って for less formal situations.
Its high level of formality makes it sound stiff and unnatural in everyday speech.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: High. It shows respect for rules, authority, traditions, or established procedures.
Social Situations: Used in official, business, legal, academic, and traditional contexts where adherence to rules and norms is important.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese; no significant regional variations in usage or meaning.
🔍 Subtle Differences
〜に則って vs. 〜に従って (~ni shitagatte)
〜に則って emphasizes strict adherence to a standard, rule, or principle. 〜に従って is broader and can mean simply “following” instructions, orders, or even people/paths. 〜に則って implies a more formal and established guideline.
When to use: Use 〜に則って for formal adherence to laws, rules, principles, or traditions. Use 〜に従って for following instructions, orders, advice, or directions, and it can be used in slightly less formal contexts.
〜に則って vs. 〜に基づいて (~ni motozuite)
〜に則って means acting *according to* or *following* a standard or rule. 〜に基づいて means acting *based on* evidence, facts, data, or principles. 〜に則って implies conformity to a pre-existing system, while 〜に基づいて implies a foundation or reason for a judgment or action.
When to use: Use 〜に則って when the action is guided by an established rule or custom. Use 〜に基づいて when the action is supported or justified by specific information or reasoning.
〜に則って vs. 〜通りに (~tōri ni)
〜に則って is formal and refers to rules/principles. 〜通りに is less formal and means “exactly as,” “as expected,” or “following exactly” instructions, examples, or appearances. 〜通りに is more about direct imitation or fulfillment.
When to use: Use 〜に則って for formal adherence to rules, laws, etc. Use 〜通りに for following instructions, examples, or expectations in a more literal or less formal manner.
📝 Conjugation Notes
This is a fixed phrase/pattern originating from the verb 則る (noru), meaning to follow, to conform to. It is used in the 〜て form of the verb, but functions more like a fixed particle or conjunction here.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
則って (nottotte) – Be careful of the double consonant (っ). The “to” is pronounced clearly. The verb 則る (noru) is less common than the 〜に則って pattern itself.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of 則 (nori) as “rule” or “standard.” 〜に則って is like saying “by (following) the standard/rule.” Visualize following a strict blueprint or legal document.
Vocabulary List
規定
kitei
regulation, rule
法律
hōritsu
law
伝統
dentō
tradition
原則
gensoku
principle, general rule
方針
hōshin
policy, plan
手続き
tetsuzuki
procedure, process
開催する
to hold (an event)
Kanji List
則
のっと-る (noru)
rule, follow, accord with
規定
きてい (kitei)
regulation
法律
ほうりつ (hōritsu)
law
伝統
でんとう (dentō)
tradition
原則
げんそく (gensoku)
principle
方針
ほうしん (hōshin)
policy
手続き
てつづき (tetsuzuki)
procedure
運営
うんえい (un’ei)
management, operation
理念
りねん (rinen)
philosophy
厳格
げんかく (genkaku)
strict
指示
しじ (shiji)
instruction
Practice Exercises
会議は定められた（ ）に則って進められた。
時間
場所
議題
手順
この組織は創設時の（ ）に則り活動している。
メンバー
資金
理念
技術
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I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.