Translation guide
Used to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation. In Japanese, this is often expressed with set phrases like 以下 (いか) or 下記 (かき), or by using demonstratives like 次の (つぎの). The choice depends on formality and medium.
To refer to items that will be listed immediately after, as in 'the following items'.
Standard and widely used in both spoken and written Japanese. Attaches directly to a noun.
Please note the following points.
More casual and common in everyday speech. Literally 'next', but functions like 'the following'.
Please answer the following questions.
Formal, used primarily in written documents, emails, or official contexts.
We will contact you as follows.
To introduce something that is said or written, as in 'He said the following'.
To refer back to something just mentioned, as in 'the following is a summary'.
Used as a noun meaning 'the following'. Often appears at the start of a sentence.
The following is a summary.
以下 (いか) is more formal and often used in writing or presentations. 次 (つぎ) is more conversational and can mean 'next' as well as 'following'. Use 次 for everyday lists, 以下 for official documents.
Do not translate 'the following' word-for-word as フォローイング. Use the natural Japanese expressions above.