1.
to run along, to follow along
To extend or move along the length of something, such as a road, river, or coastline.
川に沿って歩く。
Walk along the river.
海岸線に沿った道をドライブした。
I drove along the road that runs along the coastline.
線路に沿って桜の木が並んでいる。
Cherry trees are lined up along the railroad tracks.
2.
to be in accordance with, to conform to
To act in line with a plan, policy, wish, or expectation.
方針に沿う。
To be in accordance with the policy.
ご希望に沿えるよう努力します。
I will do my best to meet your wishes.
計画に沿ってプロジェクトを進めてください。
Please proceed with the project in accordance with the plan.
USAGE:
Takes the particle に to mark the thing being followed: ～に沿う. The te-form ～に沿って is commonly used as an adverbial phrase meaning "along" or "in line with."
The potential negative form 沿えない is often used in polite refusals: ご期待に沿えず申し訳ございません (I am sorry that I cannot meet your expectations).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 川に沿う: to follow a river
- 道に沿う: to follow a road
- 方針に沿う: to be in line with a policy
- ご希望に沿う: to meet someone's wishes
- 計画に沿って: in accordance with a plan
Related Words
Related:
沿岸 (coast, shore)