Translation guide
The English verb 'obey' covers following rules, laws, orders, and commands, as well as submitting to authority or complying with instructions. Japanese uses different expressions depending on what is being obeyed and the nature of the relationship.
To act in accordance with established rules, laws, or social norms.
The most common and versatile verb for obeying rules, laws, promises, and schedules. It means 'to protect' or 'to keep' and is used broadly.
交通ルールを守らなければなりません。
You must obey traffic rules.
彼はいつも約束を守る。
He always keeps his promises.
Means 'to follow' or 'to comply with'. Often used for rules, orders, or instructions, implying a more passive adherence compared to 守る.
規則に従って行動してください。
Please act in accordance with the rules.
To do what someone in authority tells you to do; to submit to their will.
A very common phrase meaning 'to listen to what someone says' and do it. Used especially for children obeying parents, or subordinates obeying superiors.
子供は親の言うことを聞くべきだ。
Children should obey their parents.
彼は上司の言うことを聞かない。
He doesn't obey his boss.
Can also be used for obeying a person or their orders, often with a nuance of following or submitting to authority.
A formal term meaning 'to submit' or 'to obey', often used in military or strict hierarchical contexts. Implies complete submission.
兵士は上官に服従しなければならない。
Soldiers must obey their superior officers.
To act according to one's own moral principles or feelings.
Literally 'to follow one's conscience'. This is the natural way to express obeying an inner moral sense.
私は自分の良心に従って行動した。
I acted according to my conscience.
To conform to natural forces or innate drives.
Means 'to follow one's instincts'. Used when someone acts on innate impulses.
動物は本能に従って生きている。
Animals live by obeying their instincts.
守る (mamoru) implies actively protecting or upholding a rule, promise, or schedule. It is often used with ルール (rule), 約束 (promise), 時間 (time). 従う (shitagau) means to follow or comply with something, often an order, instruction, or a person's will. It can imply a more passive obedience. For obeying a person, 言うことを聞く (iu koto o kiku) is more colloquial and common in daily life.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'obey'. Direct translations like 服従する (fukujū suru) are too strong and formal for everyday situations. Use 守る for rules, 言うことを聞く for people, and 従う for orders or instructions.
命令に従いなさい。
Obey the order.
彼は王に従った。
He obeyed the king.