1.
to follow, to accompany
To go along with someone.
先生に従う。
To follow the teacher.
リーダーに従って山を登った。
I followed the leader and climbed the mountain.
案内人に従って進んだ。
I proceeded following the guide.
2.
to obey, to comply with
To act according to rules or orders.
規則に従う。
To obey the rules.
指示に従ってください。
Please follow the instructions.
法律に従わなければならない。
You must comply with the law.
3.
as, in accordance with
Used to indicate proportion or correlation.
年を取るに従って忘れっぽくなる。
As you get older, you become more forgetful.
時間が経つに従って、気持ちが落ち着いてきた。
As time passed, I gradually calmed down.
練習するに従って上手になる。
You get better as you practice.
従う is a godan verb meaning to follow, obey, or comply.
KANJI:
従 means 'follow, obey, accompany'
THREE MAIN USES:
1. To follow someone/something
2. To obey rules or orders
3. 〜に従って: as ~, in proportion to ~
GRAMMAR PATTERN:
- Noun + に従う: to obey/follow [noun]
- Verb + に従って: as [verb] (proportional change)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 規則に従う: to follow the rules
- 指示に従う: to follow instructions
- 法律に従う: to comply with the law
RELATED:
従業員 (employee) shares the same kanji