に合わせてAdjusting to match
に合わせて shows that someone adjusts an action, timing, choice, or content to match a particular target. It often corresponds to “to match,” “in step with,” or “to suit.”
The key idea: active matching
The noun before に合わせて supplies the target. The rest of the sentence tells you what someone changes or coordinates to fit that target. This may be literal coordination with music or movement, or a practical adjustment to a schedule, ability, need, or situation.
What can be adjusted
Notice that each sentence identifies the person who performs the adjusted action.
音楽に合わせて、子どもたちは手をたたいた。
The children clapped in time with the music.
Analyze授業では、学生の理解度に合わせて、先生が説明の速さを変える。
In class, the teacher changes the speed of the explanation to match the students’ level of understanding.
Analyze発表時間に合わせて、私たちは原稿を短くした。
We shortened the script to fit the allotted presentation time.
AnalyzeRead the two sides separately
Ask two questions: “What is the target?” and “What is being changed to match it?” In the presentation example, the target is the available time, and the adjusted item is the length of the script. This makes the construction more specific than a loose translation such as “according to.”
Active matching versus graded response
に合わせて highlights changing something so that it fits a target. By contrast, に応じて often presents an appropriate or graded response to a condition and is somewhat more formal.
成績に応じて、奨学金の額が決まる。
The amount of the scholarship is determined according to academic performance.
AnalyzeHere the amount varies by performance level; the focus is a graded rule rather than someone actively making one thing match another.
More examples
相手の歩く速さに合わせて、私は少しゆっくり歩いた。
I slowed down a little to match the other person’s walking pace.
Analyze季節に合わせて、店長がデザートのメニューを入れ替える。
The manager changes the dessert menu to suit the season.
Analyze利用者の希望に合わせて、スタッフが旅行の計画を調整します。
The staff will adjust the travel plan to suit the customer’s wishes.
Analyze会議の開始時刻に合わせて、私は乗る電車を一本早めた。
I chose a train one departure earlier to fit the meeting’s start time.
Analyze部屋の広さに合わせて、係員が椅子の数を調整した。
The attendant adjusted the number of chairs to fit the size of the room.
Analyze参加者の経験に合わせて、講師が練習問題を選んだ。
The instructor selected practice questions to match the participants’ experience.
Analyze