Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

How to say 'Follow' or 'Obey' in Japanese | 従う

Wondering how to say 'Follow' or 'Obey' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Follow or Obey is 'Shitagau', written as 従う in Japanese.'Follow' or 'Obey' in hiragana is したがう.

    word

    従う

    Meaning

    Follow, Obey

    Reading

    したがう

    shitagau

    Kanji

    従Follow, Obey

    Explanation

    The Japanese verb '従う (したがう)' can mean 'to obey' or 'to follow'. When used to mean 'obey', it refers to complying with rules, orders, or authority. For example: obey the law「法律に従う」(ほうりつにしたがう). When used to mean 'follow', it can refer to following a path, a sequence, or someone's lead. For example: follow the instructions「指示に従う」(しじにしたがう). The verb can also imply following a natural course or logic, such as in: the river follows the valley「川は谷に従って流れる」(かわはたににしたがってながれる).

    Part Of Speech

    verb

    Kanji JLPT

    N1

    Kanji Grade

    6

    Frequency

    369

    Composition

    kanji-hiragana

    Handwriting

This word is a godan verb. To learn how it transforms in different tenses and forms, explore all its conjugations.

Kanji in the Word 従う

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    従

    Meaning

    Follow, Obey

Hiragana in the Word 従う

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

  • hiragana

    う

    Reading

    U

Words Related to 従う Through the Kanji 従

These 4 Words contain the Kanji 従 as well.

  • word

    従来

    Meaning

    Tradition

  • word

    従業

    Meaning

    Employment

  • word

    従業員

    Meaning

    Employee

  • word

    従事

    Meaning

    Engagement

Learn the Word 従う

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Shitagau' (従う) mean?

'Shitagau' means 'Follow' or 'Obey' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.