Translation guide
To follow or obey a rule, law, decision, or agreement. In Japanese, this is expressed with verbs meaning 'to follow', 'to obey', or 'to comply with', often using set phrases.
The most common meaning: to act in accordance with established rules, laws, or regulations.
General verb for following rules, instructions, or orders. Used widely in formal and everyday contexts.
Please abide by the traffic rules.
He abided by the company policy.
Means 'to protect' or 'to observe'. Commonly used for rules, promises, and schedules. Slightly more everyday than 従う.
Formal term for compliance, often used in legal, business, or official contexts.
We must abide by the regulations.
To accept a ruling, verdict, or decision and act accordingly, often with a sense of obligation.
Also used for decisions, judgments, or orders from authority figures.
I will abide by the court's decision.
Means 'to accept'. Emphasizes the acceptance aspect rather than just following. Often used when the decision is unfavorable.
To honor a commitment or agreement.
Both mean 'to abide by', but 従う (shitagau) implies following a direction or order from a higher authority, while 守る (mamoru) focuses on protecting or keeping something intact, like a rule or promise. 従う is more about obedience, 守る about observance.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'abide by'. Always use a combination of a noun (rule, promise, etc.) and a verb like 従う or 守る. Avoid literal translations like 'アバイドする'.
約束を守ってください。
Please abide by your promise.
It's natural to abide by the law.
He abided by the referee's decision.