# にしたがって: as; in accordance with; according to

> Learn how to use にしたがって, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as; in accordance with; according to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-ni-shitagatte/

**にしたがって** means **as; in accordance with; according to**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show that one change follows another, or that an action follows a rule or instruction**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral to formal** Japanese. If you want to **show that one change follows another, or that an action follows a rule or instruction**, **にしたがって** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does にしたがって mean?

Use **にしたがって** when you want to **show that one change follows another, or that an action follows a rule or instruction**.

Natural translations include:
- as; in accordance with; according to
- as
- as / in accordance with / according to

## How to form にしたがって

Verb dictionary + にしたがって / Noun + にしたがって

Examples of the pattern:
- 年を取るにしたがって
- 説明にしたがって
- 規則にしたがって

## When is にしたがって used?

Use **にしたがって** in situations like:
- changes that happen together
- following rules or instructions
- formal explanations of cause and development

Tone and register:
- neutral to formal
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## にしたがって example sentences

- 年を取るにしたがって、体力が落ちてきた。 — As I get older, my physical strength has declined.
- 説明にしたがって、アプリを設定してください。 — Please set up the app according to the instructions.
- 台風が近づくにしたがって、雨が強くなった。 — As the typhoon approached, the rain became stronger.
- 規則にしたがって、手続きを行います。 — We will carry out the procedure in accordance with the rules.
- 時間が経つにしたがって、不安が大きくなった。 — As time passed, my anxiety grew.

## Nuance of にしたがって

The key nuance is **a formal sense of following a rule or parallel change**.

This matters because **にしたがって** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[につれて](/blog/n3-ni-tsurete/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## にしたがって vs につれて

Both **にしたがって** and **[につれて](/blog/n3-ni-tsurete/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**にしたがって**:
- means **as; in accordance with; according to**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[につれて](/blog/n3-ni-tsurete/)**:
- につれて focuses on natural proportional change; にしたがって can also mean following rules, instructions, or authority

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 年を取るにしたがって、体力が落ちてきた。 — As I get older, my physical strength has declined.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[につれて](/blog/n3-ni-tsurete/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with にしたがって

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for casual “because” sentences
- Forgetting that the first clause often describes gradual change
- Confusing the rule-following meaning with につれて

## Is にしたがって on the JLPT?

Yes. **にしたがって** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for にしたがって

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say anxiety grew as time passed.
- Tell someone to follow instructions.
- Describe sales rising as popularity grows.

## Learning path for にしたがって

To learn **にしたがって** efficiently, start with simple change expressions, then practice two linked clauses where one change naturally follows another.

1. First, make sure you can form **にしたがって** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [につれて](/blog/n3-ni-tsurete/), [ば～ほど](/blog/n3-ba-hodo/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about age, weather, prices, habits, or gradual progress; then check whether replacing **にしたがって** with [一方だ（いっぽうだ）](/blog/n3-ippou-da/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [につれて](/blog/n3-ni-tsurete/) — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.
- [ば～ほど](/blog/n3-ba-hodo/) — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.
- [一方だ（いっぽうだ）](/blog/n3-ippou-da/) — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.
- [ようになる](/blog/n4-you-ni-naru/) — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.

## Learn にしたがって with Hane

If you want to review **にしたがって** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)