# につれて: as; in proportion to; with

> Learn how to use につれて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as; in proportion to; with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

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

**につれて** means **as; in proportion to; with**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show that one gradual change happens together with another**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral to written** Japanese. If you want to **show that one gradual change happens together with another**, **につれて** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does につれて mean?

Use **につれて** when you want to **show that one gradual change happens together with another**.

Natural translations include:
- as; in proportion to; with
- as
- as / in proportion to / with

## How to form につれて

Verb dictionary + につれて / Noun + につれて

Examples of the pattern:
- 増えるにつれて
- 年を取るにつれて
- 時間が経つにつれて

## When is につれて used?

Use **につれて** in situations like:
- gradual changes
- proportional relationships
- natural development over time

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

## につれて example sentences

- 年を取るにつれて、考え方が変わってきた。 — As I got older, my way of thinking changed.
- 日本語を勉強するにつれて、文化にも興味が出てきた。 — As I studied Japanese, I became interested in the culture too.
- 時間が経つにつれて、痛みが弱くなった。 — As time passed, the pain became weaker.
- 人口が増えるにつれて、交通問題も増えた。 — As the population increased, traffic problems also increased.
- 山に登るにつれて、空気が冷たくなった。 — As we climbed the mountain, the air became colder.

## Nuance of につれて

The key nuance is **linked gradual change, not a one-time cause**.

This matters because **につれて** 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 **[にしたがって](/blog/n3-ni-shitagatte/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## につれて vs にしたがって

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

**につれて**:
- means **as; in proportion to; with**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[にしたがって](/blog/n3-ni-shitagatte/)**:
- にしたがって can also express gradual change, but it may also mean following instructions or rules

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 年を取るにつれて、考え方が変わってきた。 — As I got older, my way of thinking changed.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[にしたがって](/blog/n3-ni-shitagatte/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with につれて

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for sudden events
- Using it with commands or intentions
- Confusing it with 連れて “taking someone along”

## Is につれて on the JLPT?

Yes. **につれて** 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 につれて

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Describe becoming interested as you study.
- Say the air gets colder as you climb.
- Say problems increase with population.

## Learning path for につれて

To learn **につれて** efficiently, start with simple change expressions, then practice two linked clauses where one change naturally follows another.

1. First, make sure you can form **につれて** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [にしたがって](/blog/n3-ni-shitagatte/), [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 **につれて** with [一方だ（いっぽうだ）](/blog/n3-ippou-da/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [にしたがって](/blog/n3-ni-shitagatte/) — 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 につれて with Hane

If you want to review **につれて** 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/)