Translation guide
How to express the idea of following rules, requests, standards, or laws in Japanese.
To act in accordance with established rules, laws, or regulations.
General verb for obeying or following rules, orders, or laws. Often used with に.
法律に従わなければならない。
You must comply with the law.
規則に従ってください。
Please follow the rules.
Means to protect or keep, but commonly used for observing rules, promises, or manners. Often used with を.
交通ルールを守りましょう。
Let's obey traffic rules.
約束を守ることは大切だ。
Keeping promises is important.
To respond or comply with a request, demand, or expectation. Often used with に.
要求に応じることにした。
We decided to comply with the request.
Formal term for conforming to standards or regulations, often used in legal or technical contexts.
この製品は安全基準に準拠している。
This product complies with safety standards.
To do what someone in authority tells you to do.
Same as above, but specifically for orders or instructions.
上司の指示に従って行動した。
I acted in compliance with my boss's instructions.
Literally 'listen to what someone says', meaning to obey or do as told. Casual.
子供が親の言うことを聞かない。
The child doesn't comply with what the parents say.
Strong word for submission or obedience, often used in military or hierarchical contexts.
彼は命令に服従した。
He complied with the order (submitted to it).
To satisfy a set of criteria or conditions.
To fulfill or satisfy conditions, requirements, or standards. Used with を.
この条件を満たせば、申し込めます。
If you comply with these conditions, you can apply.
基準を満たしていない。
It does not meet the standards.
To conform to or be in compliance with specifications or standards. Technical/formal.
この装置は規格に適合している。
This device complies with the specifications.
To match or be in agreement with something, often used for abstract criteria.
彼の行動は方針に合致している。
His actions comply with the policy.
To agree to do what someone asks or demands.
Commonly used for complying with requests, invitations, or demands.
彼の依頼に応じて、資料を送った。
Complying with his request, I sent the documents.
To accept or comply with a demand or condition, often implying some reluctance.
Also used for requests, though more common for rules.
Both mean 'to follow/obey', but 従う (shitagau) emphasizes following a guide or authority (rules, orders, instructions), while 守る (mamoru) emphasizes protecting or upholding something (rules, promises, manners). 守る is often used for moral or social obligations.
Do not translate 'comply with' literally as 従う in all cases. For 'comply with standards', 満たす or 適合する is more natural. For 'comply with a request', 応じる is often better.
会社は労働組合の要求を受け入れた。
The company complied with the union's demands.
お客様のご要望に従います。
We will comply with the customer's request.