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.
以下の点に注意してください。
Please note the following points.
More casual and common in everyday speech. Literally 'next', but functions like 'the following'.
次の質問に答えてください。
Please answer the following questions.
Formal, used primarily in written documents, emails, or official contexts.
下記の通りご連絡いたします。
We will contact you as follows.
To introduce something that is said or written, as in 'He said the following'.
Means 'as follows' and is used before quoting or paraphrasing.
彼は次のように述べた。
He stated the following.
More formal, often used in business or official announcements.
変更点は以下の通りです。
The changes are as follows.
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.
以下がその要約です。
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.