Translation guide
Expresses the idea of following rules, standards, expectations, or patterns. The best Japanese choice depends on whether you are obeying a rule, matching a standard, adapting to a group, or fitting a mold.
To act in accordance with established rules, laws, or formal requirements.
General verb for obeying or following rules, instructions, or orders. Often used with に.
Please conform to the rules.
We have a duty to conform to the law.
Formal term for conforming to standards, specifications, or regulations. Common in legal, technical, or business contexts.
This product conforms to safety standards.
Strict compliance with rules or laws. Often used in official or legal contexts.
Let's conform to traffic rules.
To be in agreement with a particular standard, specification, or expected pattern.
Means to match or be in exact agreement with a standard or condition. Often used with に.
The results conform to expectations.
To fit or be suitable for a standard, often used for technical compatibility or meeting requirements.
This part conforms to the specifications.
To coincide or agree with something. Can be used for opinions, facts, or patterns matching.
His actions don't conform to his words.
To adjust one's behavior to fit in with a group or society.
To conform to group pressure or follow what others do. Often used in social psychology contexts.
You don't need to conform to those around you.
Literally 'read the air', meaning to sense the atmosphere and conform to unspoken social expectations.
He is good at conforming to the atmosphere.
To adjust oneself to others or a situation. Often used as に合わせる.
To be forced into a predetermined shape or pattern, losing individuality.
従う is the most general and can be used for rules, orders, or advice. 準拠する is formal and used for standards or specifications. 遵守する implies strict, often legal compliance.
Follow the boss's instructions.
Conform to ISO standards.
Comply with laws and regulations.
English 'conform to' can often be translated directly with に従う or に合わせる, but in social contexts, Japanese often uses phrases like 空気を読む or 同調する instead of a direct translation. Avoid using コンフォームする, which is not natural Japanese.
みんなに合わせて行動した。
I acted to conform to everyone else.
Conforming education to a single standard harms creativity.