1.
to be accompanied by, to have in tow, to lead
To have subordinates, attendants, or followers accompany you. Implies a hierarchical relationship where the subject is the leader or person of higher status.
部下を従えて会場に入った。
He entered the venue accompanied by his subordinates.
社長は秘書を従えて記者会見に臨んだ。
The president attended the press conference accompanied by his secretary.
大勢の家来を従えた殿様が城から出てきた。
A feudal lord accompanied by many retainers emerged from the castle.
USAGE:
The transitive counterpart of 従う (to follow, to obey). While 従う describes the follower's action, 従える describes the leader's state of having followers. Often used in historical, formal, or literary contexts.
GRAMMAR:
Typically used in the pattern AがBを従えて, where A is the leader and B is the follower(s).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 部下を従える: to have subordinates in tow
- 家来を従える: to be accompanied by retainers
- 大軍を従える: to lead a large army
- 弟子を従える: to have disciples in tow