(なら)

ならう
verb (godan)
to follow (an example), to imitate, to model after
1. to follow an example, to imitate, to model after
To take someone or something as a model and act accordingly. Implies deliberate emulation of a good example or established practice.
先輩(せんぱい)(なら)う。
To follow one's senior's example.
前例(ぜんれい)(なら)って対応(たいおう)する。
To respond by following precedent.
()(くに)成功例(せいこうれい)(なら)い、(あたら)しい制度(せいど)導入(どうにゅう)した。
Following the success of other countries, a new system was introduced.

(なら)う means to imitate or model oneself after something. Not to be confused with the homophone (なら)う (to learn, to take lessons).

TRANSITIVITY:

  • Type: Intransitive (自動詞(じどうし))
  • Pattern: 〜に(なら)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 〜に(なら)って: following the example of ~
  • 〜に(なら)い: following ~ (more formal/written)
  • 前例(ぜんれい)(なら)う: to follow precedent
  • (みぎ)(なら)え: follow the person to the right (line-up command)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (なら)う: to learn, to study (different kanji and meaning)
  • 真似(まね)る: to mimic, to copy (less deliberate, sometimes negative)
  • (なら)う: to follow an example (deliberate, positive connotation)