Some changes lead naturally to others. When one thing happens and another follows because of it, Japanese has a formal way to express that connection. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use にしたがって to show how one situation develops in response to another, and how したがって on its own can mean “therefore” in formal writing.
にしたがって / したがって
In accordance with / Therefore
JLPT Level: N2
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How to Use It
Use にしたがって to describe a situation where one change naturally causes another. It often appears in formal or written contexts. The verb 従う (したがう) means “to follow” or “to go along with,” and this phrase carries the nuance of “as X happens, so does Y.”
したがって used by itself at the start of a sentence means “therefore” or “accordingly.” This version is especially common in formal writing, speeches, or official reports.
Usage Pattern
- Verb (short form) + にしたがって
- Verb Noun + にしたがって
- したがって at the beginning of a sentence to mean “therefore” or “accordingly”
Example 1
車の数が増えるにしたがって、道路も広くなった。
くるま の かず が ふえる に したがって、どうろ も ひろく なった。
Kuruma no kazu ga fueru ni shitagatte, dōro mo hiroku natta.
As the number of cars increased, the roads also became wider.
Example 2
高齢化が進むにしたがって、医療サービスの需要も増えてきた。
こうれいか が すすむ に したがって、いりょう さーびす の じゅよう も ふえて きた。
Kōreika ga susumu ni shitagatte, iryō sābisu no juyō mo fuete kita.
As the population ages, the demand for medical services has increased.
Example 3
大雪のため除雪の設備がありません。したがって、この道路は通行止めです。
おおゆき の ため じょせつ の せつび が ありません。したがって、この どうろ は つうこうどめ です。
Ōyuki no tame josetsu no setsubi ga arimasen. Shitagatte, kono dōro wa tsūkōdome desu.
There is no snow removal equipment due to the heavy snow. Therefore, this road is closed.
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