# に則って: based on; according to; in accordance with ~

> Learn how to use に則って (ni nottotte), a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning based on or in accordance with, with structure, nuance, examples, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-ni-nottotte/

**に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** means **based on; according to; in accordance with ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that an action or decision strictly follows a rule, precedent, principle, or legal provision.

This grammar point appears in formal writing, news reports, legal documents, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you need to emphasise that something is done *exactly as prescribed by a rule or standard*, **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is the precise, sophisticated choice.

## What does に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て mean?

Use **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** when you want to say that someone acts **strictly in line with a rule, law, precedent, or established principle**. It implies that there is little room for personal interpretation — the rule is the sole guide.

Natural translations include:
- based on; according to; in accordance with
- following (the rule/precedent); in conformity with

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer’s or speaker’s purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

<blockquote class="pullquote">
When you need to follow a rule to the letter, <strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong> is your phrase.
</blockquote>

## How to form に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

The pattern attaches to **Nouns** — specifically, nouns that represent a rule, precedent, guideline, or standard.

<div class="formation">
  <span class="ftoken">Noun (rule / precedent / principle)</span>
  <span class="fplus">+</span>
  <span class="ftoken t-core">に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</span>
</div>

The most common form is the te-form **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て**, which connects to a following action. You will also encounter these related forms:

<div class="formula">
  <span class="ftoken">Noun</span><span class="fplus">+</span><span class="ftoken t-aux">に<ruby>則り<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとり</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span><br>
  <span class="ftoken">Noun</span><span class="fplus">+</span><span class="ftoken t-aux">に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た</span><span class="ftoken t-stem">＋<ruby>名詞<rp>(</rp><rt>めいし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></span>
</div>

- **に<ruby>則り<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとり</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>** — the formal conjunctive form, often used in written or ceremonial contexts.
- **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た** — modifies a following noun, e.g. <ruby>法律<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうりつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た<ruby>手続き<rp>(</rp><rt>てつづき</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> (procedures *based on* the law).

In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong type of word. Remember: this pattern only follows nouns — never verbs or adjectives directly.

## When is に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て used?

Use **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** in situations like:
- describing official procedures, court rulings, or administrative decisions
- explaining that a decision was made *exactly as prescribed by a rule*
- emphasising strict adherence to a set of guidelines or a past precedent
- reporting actions in formal writing, business, or journalism

Tone and register:
- **Formal** — this is not a casual pattern. It belongs in reports, articles, speeches, and legal or academic contexts.
- You will rarely hear it in everyday chat unless someone is quoting a rule or deliberately being formal.

## に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て example sentences

<div class="examples">

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>裁判<rp>(</rp><rt>さいばん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>所<rt>しょ</rt></ruby>は<ruby>法律<rt>ほうりつ</rt></ruby><strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong><ruby>判断<rp>(</rp><rt>はんだん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>下し<rp>(</rp><rt>くだし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The court handed down its decision in accordance with the law.</div>
  <div class="example-foot">
    <span class="example-tag">legal</span>
    <span class="example-tag">judgment</span>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>会社<rt>かいしゃ</rt></ruby>の<ruby>規定<rt>きてい</rt></ruby><strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong>、<ruby>残業<rp>(</rp><rt>ざんぎょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>代<rp>(</rp><rt>だい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>支払<rt>しはら</rt></ruby>った。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The company paid overtime allowances according to its regulations.</div>
  <div class="example-foot">
    <span class="example-tag">business</span>
    <span class="example-tag">regulations</span>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp">これは<ruby>前例<rt>ぜんれい</rt></ruby><strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong><ruby>行わ<rp>(</rp><rt>おこなわ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>れた<ruby>慣行<rt>かんこう</rt></ruby>です。</div>
  <div class="example-en">This is a customary practice conducted in line with precedent.</div>
  <div class="example-foot">
    <span class="example-tag">precedent</span>
    <span class="example-tag">formal</span>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>憲法<rt>けんぽう</rt></ruby><strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong>、<ruby>新しい<rp>(</rp><rt>あたらしい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby><ruby>政権<rt>せいけん</rt></ruby>が<ruby>発足<rp>(</rp><rt>ほっそく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>した。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The new administration was inaugurated in accordance with the constitution.</div>
  <div class="example-foot">
    <span class="example-tag">constitution</span>
    <span class="example-tag">government</span>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="example">
  <div class="example-jp"><ruby>国際法<rt>こくさいほう</rt></ruby><strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong>、<ruby>両国<rt>りょうこく</rt></ruby>は<ruby>交渉<rt>こうしょう</rt></ruby>を<ruby>続ける<rp>(</rp><rt>つづける</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ことに<ruby>合意<rt>ごうい</rt></ruby>した。</div>
  <div class="example-en">The two nations agreed to continue negotiations in conformity with international law.</div>
  <div class="example-foot">
    <span class="example-tag">international</span>
    <span class="example-tag">agreement</span>
  </div>
</div>

</div>

After reading each sentence, ask what job **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is doing: it signals that the action is carried out *based strictly on a rule or standard*. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one‑word translation.

## Nuance of に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

The key nuance is **strict, formal adherence to a rule, law, or precedent — no personal discretion implied**.

This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. A pattern may look like “according to”, but **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** conveys that the speaker or writer is quoting an external, authoritative standard. There’s a strong sense that deviation is neither expected nor allowed.

For example:
- In a legal context, “<ruby>法律<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうりつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て” leaves no room for “but I felt it was unfair” — the law dictated the outcome.
- Compared with **に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** (to follow), **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is more formal and rule-bound; it implies the rule is a fixed framework, not just a general guide.

## に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て vs に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

Both **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** and **に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** can be translated as “in accordance with”, but they differ in tone and scope.

<div class="compare">
  <div class="cmp a">
    <div class="cmp-head">に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    <div class="cmp-sub">Rule-based, formal, no flexibility</div>
    <div class="cmp-when">Used when a specific law, regulation, or settled precedent directly dictates the action.</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg"><ruby>法律<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうりつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>処理<rp>(</rp><rt>しょり</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg-en">Process in strict accordance with the law.</div>
  </div>
  <div class="vs">vs</div>
  <div class="cmp b">
    <div class="cmp-head">に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    <div class="cmp-sub">Following, can be more flexible</div>
    <div class="cmp-when">Used when you follow instructions, a guide, someone’s lead, or changes as something changes.</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg"><ruby>指示<rp>(</rp><rt>しじ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>動く<rp>(</rp><rt>うごく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> / <ruby>上昇<rp>(</rp><rt>じょうしょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>するに<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</div>
    <div class="cmp-eg-en">Move according to instructions / as the level rises.</div>
  </div>
</div>

Quick contrast:
- **<ruby>規則<rp>(</rp><rt>きそく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>判断<rp>(</rp><rt>はんだん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する** → judgment based on the rule, as if the rule is the sole standard.
- **<ruby>指示<rp>(</rp><rt>しじ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>判断<rp>(</rp><rt>はんだん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する** → judgment *following* instructions, but possibly allowing some interpretation.

If both translations seem possible, check the formality level and whether the source is a fixed, written rule. **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** almost always refers to a codified norm; **に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is broader.

## Common mistakes with に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

<div class="mistakes">

<div class="mistake">
  <div class="mline">
    <span class="mark bad">❌</span>
    <div class="mline-body"><ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>のアドバイスに<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>仕事<rp>(</rp><rt>しごと</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>進め<rp>(</rp><rt>すすめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</div>
  </div>
  <div class="note">“アドバイス” (advice) is not a formal rule or precedent — に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て would be better.</div>
  <div class="mline">
    <span class="mark good">✅</span>
    <div class="mline-body"><ruby>彼<rp>(</rp><rt>かれ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>のアドバイスに<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>仕事<rp>(</rp><rt>しごと</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>進め<rp>(</rp><rt>すすめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</div>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="mistake">
  <div class="mline">
    <span class="mark bad">❌</span>
    <div class="mline-body">この<ruby>問題<rp>(</rp><rt>もんだい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>前例<rp>(</rp><rt>ぜんれい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て、すぐに<ruby>解決<rp>(</rp><rt>かいけつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>した。</div>
  </div>
  <div class="note">Here “<ruby>解決<rp>(</rp><rt>かいけつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>した” (it resolved) sounds automatic. With に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て, you usually describe a deliberate action, not a natural outcome. Consider に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て for processes.</div>
  <div class="mline">
    <span class="mark good">✅</span>
    <div class="mline-body">この<ruby>問題<rp>(</rp><rt>もんだい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>前例<rp>(</rp><rt>ぜんれい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て、すぐに<ruby>対処<rp>(</rp><rt>たいしょ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>した。</div>
  </div>
</div>

<div class="mistake">
  <div class="mline">
    <span class="mark bad">❌</span>
    <div class="mline-body"><ruby>料理<rp>(</rp><rt>りょうり</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>のレシピに<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>作っ<rp>(</rp><rt>つくっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</div>
  </div>
  <div class="note">While “レシピ” is a guide, it’s too casual and not a formal rule; に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て or に<ruby>従い<rp>(</rp><rt>したがい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> fits better in everyday cooking.</div>
  <div class="mline">
    <span class="mark good">✅</span>
    <div class="mline-body"><ruby>料理<rp>(</rp><rt>りょうり</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>のレシピに<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て<ruby>作っ<rp>(</rp><rt>つくっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た。</div>
  </div>
</div>

</div>

A helpful practice method: write a formal sentence with **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て**, then replace the rule-noun with something casual like “<ruby>友達<rp>(</rp><rt>ともだち</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>提案<rp>(</rp><rt>ていあん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>”. You’ll immediately feel the clash in tone — that’s how you internalise its proper register.

## Is に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て on the JLPT?

<div class="jlpt-card">
  <div class="jlpt-shield">N1</div>
  <div class="jlpt-info">
    Yes. <strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong> is standard <strong>JLPT N1</strong> grammar.
  </div>
  <div class="jlpt-checks">
    <p>At this level, you’ll be expected to:</p>
    <ul>
      <li>recognise it in formal texts (legal, business, essay)</li>
      <li>choose it over similar patterns like に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て or に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て when the context demands strict rule-adherence</li>
      <li>interpret its nuance in reading comprehension</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT N1 questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning. If the passage quotes a law or regulation, **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** is your likely answer.

## Practice questions for に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

<div class="prompts">

<div class="prompt">
  <span class="prompt-num">1</span>
  <span class="prompt-text">Write a sentence where a company’s decision is strictly based on its internal rules.</span>
  <span class="prompt-tag">business rules</span>
</div>

<div class="prompt">
  <span class="prompt-num">2</span>
  <span class="prompt-text">Formulate a statement about a court ruling that explicitly follows legal statutes.</span>
  <span class="prompt-tag">legal</span>
</div>

<div class="prompt">
  <span class="prompt-num">3</span>
  <span class="prompt-text">Compare <strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong> and <strong>に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong> with your own example pair. Explain why one fits a formal rule and the other fits a loose guide.</span>
  <span class="prompt-tag">comparison</span>
</div>

<div class="prompt">
  <span class="prompt-num">4</span>
  <span class="prompt-text">Describe a historical event that proceeded exactly according to previous precedent, using に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て.</span>
  <span class="prompt-tag">precedent</span>
</div>

</div>

Keep your first sentences simple — start with a clear rule-noun (<ruby>法律<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうりつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>規則<rp>(</rp><rt>きそく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>前例<rp>(</rp><rt>ぜんれい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>憲法<rp>(</rp><rt>けんぽう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>). Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear.

## Learning path for に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て

To learn **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** efficiently, move from formation to contrast and finally to production.

<div class="path">

<div class="path-step">
  <span class="step-num">1</span>
  <div class="step-body">Memorise the formation: <strong>Noun (rule/precedent)</strong> + <strong>に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong>. Write the pattern three times using the nouns <ruby>法律<rp>(</rp><rt>ほうりつ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>規則<rp>(</rp><rt>きそく</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>, <ruby>慣例<rp>(</rp><rt>かんれい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>.</div>
</div>

<div class="path-step">
  <span class="step-num">2</span>
  <div class="step-body">Contrast it with <strong>に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て</strong>. Create one formal sentence with に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て and one with に<ruby>従っ<rp>(</rp><rt>したがっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て, then switch the rule-nouns. Notice how に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て forces a more rigid context.</div>
</div>

<div class="path-step">
  <span class="step-num">3</span>
  <div class="step-body">Read a short Japanese news article that mentions legal procedures. Underline every instance of に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て / に<ruby>則り<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとり</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby> / に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>た, and note the type of noun they follow.</div>
</div>

<div class="path-step">
  <span class="step-num">4</span>
  <div class="step-body">Write a paragraph about a fictional school that has very strict rules, using に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て at least twice. Then rewrite the paragraph for a casual blog; notice how the grammar becomes inappropriate.</div>
</div>

<div class="path-step">
  <span class="step-num">5</span>
  <div class="step-body">Finally, test yourself with a mixed drill: pick a sentence from a JLPT N1 grammar book blank‑fill exercise. If the blank follows a legal term, does に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て fit better than に<ruby>基づい<rp>(</rp><rt>もとづい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て? Explain why.</div>
</div>

</div>

## Related grammar to review next

- [に](/blog/n1-ni/) — master the fundamental particle に before tacking on formal compounds like に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て
- [に<ruby>値<rp>(</rp><rt>あたい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>する](/blog/n1-ni-atai-suru/) — learn how to say “worthy of / deserves” — often appears in similar formal evaluations
- [にあって](/blog/n1-ni-atte/) — another formal N1 pattern used to pinpoint a situation or condition under which something holds
- [にひきかえ](/blog/n1-ni-hikikae/) — a sharp contrast pattern (“in contrast to”) that shares the same formal register

## Learn に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て with Hane

If you want to review **に<ruby>則っ<rp>(</rp><rt>のっとっ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>て** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)