JLPT Grammar: ～に即して (ni sokushite) – In Accordance With, Following

Welcome to another detailed Japanese grammar exploration! Today we’ll be examining the grammar pattern ～に即して (ni sokushite), an advanced expression that will help you express how actions or decisions align with rules, situations, or principles.

What Does ～に即して Mean?

The expression ～に即して carries these meanings:

• “In accordance with…”
• “Following…”
• “In compliance with…”
• “Based on…”
• “In line with…”

This grammar pattern is used to indicate that an action, decision, or situation conforms to or follows something else, such as rules, principles, facts, or circumstances.

Grammar Formation

The structure follows this pattern:

Noun + に即して

Note that に即して typically follows a noun that represents some kind of standard, rule, principle, situation, or circumstance. It is rarely used with verbs or adjectives directly.

Nuance and Usage

This expression carries several important nuances:

1. Formal adherence: It suggests following something rather officially or strictly
2. Precise alignment: It implies careful adaptation to requirements or conditions
3. Professional tone: It has a somewhat professional, academic, or formal tone
4. Objective stance: It presents an objective approach rather than personal preference

This expression is most commonly used in:

• Academic writing
• Legal documents
• Business reports
• Official guidelines
• Formal presentations
• Professional discussions

The Kanji in 即して (sokushite)

To better understand this expression, let’s examine the kanji:

• 即 (soku): This kanji means “immediate,” “promptly,” or “to conform to”

The verb 即する (soku suru) means “to conform to,” “to follow,” or “to be in accordance with.” The て-form of this verb creates 即して (sokushite), which is then combined with the particle に to form the grammar pattern we’re studying.

Detailed Examples

Example 1: Following Rules or Regulations

会社の規則に即して、全ての経費は事前に承認を得る必要があります。

Kaisha no kisoku ni sokushite, subete no keihi wa jizen ni shōnin o eru hitsuyō ga arimasu.

In accordance with company regulations, all expenses need to be approved in advance.

Explanation: This sentence demonstrates how actions (getting approval for expenses) should align with established rules (company regulations). The expression に即して shows that the requirement is directly based on official guidelines.

Example 2: Following Principles or Standards

国際基準に即して、新しい安全対策が実施されました。

Kokusai kijun ni sokushite, atarashii anzen taisaku ga jisshi saremashita.

In accordance with international standards, new safety measures have been implemented.

Explanation: Here, the safety measures were developed and implemented based on international standards. The use of に即して emphasizes that the measures carefully follow established guidelines rather than being created arbitrarily.

Example 3: Responding to a Situation

実情に即して、計画を修正する必要がある。

Jitsujō ni sokushite, keikaku o shūsei suru hitsuyō ga aru.

In line with the actual situation, we need to modify the plan.

Explanation: This example shows how に即して can be used to indicate that actions (modifying plans) should be adapted to match reality or current circumstances (実情 – jitsujō – actual situation). It suggests making practical adjustments based on facts rather than sticking to theoretical plans.

Example 4: Following Legal Requirements

法律に即して、全ての契約書は正式に公証人の認証を受けなければならない。

Hōritsu ni sokushite, subete no keiyakusho wa seishiki ni kōshōnin no ninshō o ukenakerebanaranai.

In compliance with the law, all contracts must be officially certified by a notary.

Explanation: This sentence shows how に即して is used to express that an action (contract certification) is being done to comply with legal requirements. The expression implies official adherence to established laws.

Example 5: Educational Context

学生の能力に即して、個別の学習プランを作成することが重要です。

Gakusei no nōryoku ni sokushite, kobetsu no gakushū puran o sakusei suru koto ga jūyō desu.

It is important to create individual learning plans in accordance with students’ abilities.

Explanation: Here, に即して is used to express that learning plans should be tailored to match the specific abilities of each student. The expression highlights the importance of adapting educational approaches to individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Example 6: Research and Analysis

調査結果に即して、今後の戦略を見直す必要があります。

Chōsa kekka ni sokushite, kongo no senryaku o minaosu hitsuyō ga arimasu.

Based on the survey results, we need to review our future strategy.

Explanation: This example shows how decisions (reviewing strategy) should be made in alignment with factual information (survey results). The expression に即して emphasizes the importance of making evidence-based decisions rather than relying on assumptions.

Example 7: Following Traditional Methods

伝統的な手法に即して、このお茶は丁寧に手摘みで収穫されています。

Dentōteki na shuhō ni sokushite, kono ocha wa teinei ni tetsumi de shūkaku sarete imasu.

Following traditional methods, this tea is carefully harvested by hand.

Explanation: This sentence uses に即して to emphasize that production methods (tea harvesting) adhere to traditional practices. The expression suggests respect for established techniques and methodologies.

Common Collocations with ～に即して

This expression is commonly used with certain types of nouns:

• Rules and regulations: 規則に即して (kisoku ni sokushite), 法律に即して (hōritsu ni sokushite), 基準に即して (kijun ni sokushite)
• Situations and circumstances: 状況に即して (jōkyō ni sokushite), 実情に即して (jitsujō ni sokushite), 現実に即して (genjitsu ni sokushite)
• Data and information: データに即して (dēta ni sokushite), 事実に即して (jijitsu ni sokushite), 調査結果に即して (chōsa kekka ni sokushite)
• Principles and theories: 理論に即して (riron ni sokushite), 原則に即して (gensoku ni sokushite), 方針に即して (hōshin ni sokushite)
• Individual needs: ニーズに即して (nīzu ni sokushite), 要求に即して (yōkyū ni sokushite), 能力に即して (nōryoku ni sokushite)

Similar Expressions

Understanding similar expressions can help clarify the nuance of ～に即して:

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using に即して:

1. 安全規則________、全ての作業員はヘルメットを着用しなければならない。
2. 市場の動向________、新しいマーケティング戦略を開発する必要がある。
3. 顧客のフィードバック________、製品の改良が行われた。
4. 現地の文化________、ビジネス慣行を調整することが重要だ。
5. 最新の研究________、カリキュラムが更新された。

Answer Key for Exercise 1:

1. 安全規則に即して、全ての作業員はヘルメットを着用しなければならない。
   In accordance with safety regulations, all workers must wear helmets.
2. 市場の動向に即して、新しいマーケティング戦略を開発する必要がある。
   Following market trends, we need to develop new marketing strategies.
3. 顧客のフィードバックに即して、製品の改良が行われた。
   Based on customer feedback, product improvements were made.
4. 現地の文化に即して、ビジネス慣行を調整することが重要だ。
   It is important to adjust business practices in accordance with local culture.
5. 最新の研究に即して、カリキュラムが更新された。
   The curriculum was updated in line with the latest research.

Exercise 2: Translation from English to Japanese

Translate the following sentences into Japanese using に即して:

1. The event will be organized in accordance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
2. We will review our policy based on the new legislation.
3. The textbooks were created in line with the national education standards.
4. The company makes decisions following market analysis.
5. Treatment plans are developed in accordance with each patient’s condition.

Answer Key for Exercise 2:

1. イベントは新型コロナウイルス感染予防ガイドラインに即して開催されます。
2. 新しい法律に即して、我々の方針を見直します。
3. 教科書は国の教育基準に即して作成されました。
4. 会社は市場分析に即して意思決定を行います。
5. 治療計画は各患者の状態に即して開発されます。

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Expression

Choose the most appropriate expression (に即して, に従って, に基づいて, or に沿って) for each sentence:

1. 先生の指示（　　　）、課題を提出してください。
2. 科学的な証拠（　　　）、新しい理論が提案された。
3. 法的要件（　　　）、全ての書類が準備されました。
4. 計画（　　　）、プロジェクトが進行しています。
5. 地域のニーズ（　　　）、サービスを調整しました。

Answer Key for Exercise 3:

1. 先生の指示に従って、課題を提出してください。
   (Submit your assignments following the teacher’s instructions.)
   Explanation: に従って is better here because it’s about following someone’s instructions.
2. 科学的な証拠に基づいて、新しい理論が提案された。
   (Based on scientific evidence, a new theory was proposed.)
   Explanation: に基づいて works better as it emphasizes the foundation of the theory.
3. 法的要件に即して、全ての書類が準備されました。
   (In compliance with legal requirements, all documents were prepared.)
   Explanation: に即して is appropriate for formal compliance with legal standards.
4. 計画に沿って、プロジェクトが進行しています。
   (The project is progressing along with the plan.)
   Explanation: に沿って works better for following a path or direction.
5. 地域のニーズに即して、サービスを調整しました。
   (We adjusted our services in accordance with local needs.)
   Explanation: に即して works well for adapting to specific conditions or needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using with inappropriate nouns: に即して typically follows nouns that represent standards, rules, principles, or circumstances, not people or concrete objects
• Using in casual contexts: This expression has a formal tone and might sound awkward in casual conversation
• Confusing with similar expressions: に即して has a more specific nuance of strict adherence or compliance than some similar expressions
• Direct attachment to verbs: Unlike some similar patterns, に即して does not directly attach to verbs

When to Use ～に即して

This expression is most appropriate when:

• Discussing formal compliance with rules or standards
• Explaining how decisions are made based on data or facts
• Describing how services or products are tailored to specific needs
• Writing academic or business documents
• Making formal presentations about policy or procedure
• Emphasizing the alignment between actions and established principles

Conclusion

The grammar pattern ～に即して is a valuable expression for indicating adherence to rules, principles, or circumstances. Its formal tone makes it particularly useful in professional, academic, and official contexts.

By understanding the nuanced difference between に即して and similar expressions like に従って, に基づいて, and に沿って, you can express yourself more precisely in Japanese, especially in written documents and formal presentations.

As you advance in your Japanese studies, paying attention to these subtle differences in expression will help you communicate more effectively and appropriately in different contexts.

頑張ってください！(Good luck!)

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.