従える
従える · ichidan verb
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 従える | 従えない |
| Polite | 従えます | 従えません |
| Past polite | 従えました | 従えませんでした |
| Past | 従えた | 従えなかった |
| Te-form | 従えて | 従えないで |
| Desire | 従えたい | 従えたくない |
| Potential | 従えられるalso 従えれる | 従えられないalso 従えれない |
| Passive | 従えられる | 従えられない |
| Causative | 従えさせる | 従えさせない |
| Causative passive | 従えさせられる | 従えさせられない |
| Volitional | 従えよう | |
| Polite volitional | 従えましょう | |
| Imperative | 従えろ | 従えるな |
| Conditional | 従えれば | 従えなければ |
| Tara conditional | 従えたら | 従えなかったら |
Meanings
ichidan verb, transitive verb
take along; be accompanied by; have in attendance
Used when a person of higher status brings subordinates, followers, or an entourage. Often implies a formal or hierarchical relationship.
The company president entered the meeting room accompanied by his secretary.
The king had many retainers in attendance.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
subjugate; conquer; bring under control
Refers to defeating and bringing people, nations, or forces under one's control. Stronger and more aggressive than sense 1.
The general subjugated the enemy country.
He tried to bring the opposition under control by force.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を従えるto have someone (a subordinate, follower) in one's entourage
The president entered the meeting room with his subordinates in tow.
- 〈国〉を従えるto subjugate or bring a country under one's control
The king brought the surrounding countries under his rule.
- 〈人〉を従えて〈場所〉に行くto go somewhere accompanied by one's followers or troops
The general entered the castle with his troops behind him.
Expressions
- 老いては子に従えwhen old, obey your children
- 郷に入れば郷に従えwhen in Rome, do as the Romans do
- 郷に入っては郷に従えwhen in Rome, do as the Romans do
- 心の欲する所に従えども矩を踰えずfollowing one's heart without transgressing what is right