Translation guide
The English phrase 'go along' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physically moving along a path, accompanying someone, progressing, and agreeing or cooperating.
To proceed or travel along a road, river, corridor, etc.
Use this pattern when moving along a physical feature like a road, river, or wall. The particle に marks the thing you are following.
この道に沿って行ってください。
Please go along this road.
If you go along the river, you'll come to a park.
A more general way to say 'go along' or 'proceed along' something. Often used in written directions.
この通りをまっすぐ進んでください。
Go straight along this street.
To go together with someone, often casually or without a specific purpose.
The most natural way to say 'go along with someone'. Use と to mark the person you are accompanying.
私も一緒に行っていい？
Can I go along too?
彼と一緒に買い物に行った。
I went along with him to do some shopping.
Literally 'follow and go', this implies going along with someone who is leading. Slightly more submissive nuance.
To proceed or advance, often in a process, project, or event.
A versatile verb meaning 'to advance' or 'to go forward'. Can be used for projects, time, or physical movement.
仕事は順調に進んでいます。
The work is going along smoothly.
計画通りに進んでいる。
It's going along according to plan.
Specifically means 'to make progress' or 'to go along well' with a task. Often used for work or studies.
To accept or go along with a plan, idea, or person's wishes.
Means 'to agree' or 'to approve'. Use when you go along with a suggestion or plan.
その提案に賛成します。
I'll go along with that proposal.
Means 'to go along with' in the sense of adapting to others' wishes or the situation. Often used in social contexts.
みんなに合わせて、私も行くことにした。
I decided to go along with everyone else and go too.
Formal word for 'to consent' or 'to agree'. Suitable for business or official contexts.
その条件に同意します。
I'll go along with those conditions.
The English phrase 'go along' is often an idiom. Translating it word-for-word into Japanese (e.g., 行く along) will not work. Always consider the intended meaning first.
行く along
go along (literal, incorrect)
友達の家までついて行った。
I went along to my friend's house.
今日は仕事がはかどった。
I got a lot of work done today. (Work went along well.)