connective N1 uncommon written
〜に則って — in accordance with ~
〜に則って ・ にのっとって
Meaning
- in accordance with / conforming to ~ — acting in strict observance of established rules, custom, or precedent
Key sentence
試合はルールに則って公正に行われた。
The match was conducted fairly, in accordance with the rules.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun (an established rule / norm / custom) | N + に則って; adnominal N + に則った + N | 伝統に則って / 手続きに則った処理 |
When: Written/formal; stresses faithful observance of an established framework.
Examples
葬儀は古い習わしに則って執り行われた。
The funeral was carried out in accordance with old custom.
選考は所定の基準に則って進められる。
The selection proceeds in conformity with the prescribed criteria.
When you can't use it
- The noun is an established rule, law, custom, or precedent to be observed — not concrete facts (に即して) or a yardstick for judgment (に照らして).
Easily confused with
〜に従って に従って is broad 'follow/comply' (rules, instructions, or proportional change); に則って is a formal, often ceremonial 'conform strictly to' a codified rule or custom. 〜に即して に則って observes a fixed rule; に即して adapts to the actual reality of the situation. 〜に照らして に則って acts in conformity with a rule; に照らして judges a case against a standard.
See 〜に則って in real sentences
Jengo shows 〜に則って the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled from published Japanese grammar references.