Translation guide
Expressing the idea of staying at the same speed or level as something or someone, not falling behind.
To stay at the same speed as someone, not fall behind in movement or progress.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to keep up with' or 'to follow' someone or something. The particle に marks the target.
彼の歩く速さについていけなかった。
I couldn't keep pace with his walking speed.
It's hard to keep up with the pace of the class.
Emphasizes not falling behind while following. More explicit than just ついていく.
彼は速いけど、なんとか遅れずについていった。
He's fast, but I managed to keep pace with him without falling behind.
Literally 'to match one's pace with'. More formal or literary, often used in writing.
彼は私の歩調に合わせてくれた。
He kept pace with me.
To stay current with new developments, technology, fashion, etc.
The same phrase as above, but used metaphorically for trends, technology, etc.
最近のテクノロジーの進歩についていけない。
I can't keep pace with recent technological advances.
流行についていくのは大変だ。
It's tough keeping up with trends.
Means 'not to be outdone by' or 'not to fall behind'. Often used in competitive contexts.
他社に遅れを取らないように、新製品を開発した。
We developed a new product to keep pace with other companies.
Loanword from English 'catch up'. Used in business or tech contexts.
競合他社にキャッチアップする必要がある。
We need to keep pace with our competitors.
To synchronize with a beat, tempo, or workflow.
General verb meaning 'to match' or 'to adjust to'. Used for rhythm, pace, or timing.
音楽のリズムに合わせて踊った。
I danced keeping pace with the music's rhythm.
彼のペースに合わせて仕事を進めた。
I worked keeping pace with his speed.
Specifically about matching tempo, often in music or group activities.
ドラムとテンポを合わせて演奏する。
Play keeping pace with the drums.
To stay on track with a timeline or planned progress.
Means 'to proceed so as to be in time for'. Focuses on meeting deadlines.
締め切りに間に合うように進めている。
I'm working keeping pace with the deadline.
Literally 'to proceed according to schedule'. Common in business settings.
プロジェクトはスケジュール通りに進んでいる。
The project is keeping pace with the schedule.
The English phrase 'keeping pace with' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The most versatile option is 〜についていく, but the appropriate expression depends heavily on context. Using a literal translation like ペースを保つ may sound unnatural.
ついていく implies following something that is moving ahead, while 合わせる implies adjusting yourself to match something. For keeping up with a person walking, ついていく is better. For matching a rhythm, 合わせる is better.