Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Follow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "follow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
踏襲
とうしゅう (toushuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
則る
のっとる (nottoru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "follow" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 踏襲 and 則る.
In Japanese, 踏襲 (とうしゅう (toushuu)) is typically associated with "follow, adhere to, carry on (a tradition, policy)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies maintaining or adopting an existing method, policy, or tradition without significant changes. Often used in business, politics, or academic contexts..
On the other hand, 則る (のっとる (nottoru)) maps to "to follow (a rule), to be based on" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "follow" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "踏襲"
新しい社長も前任者の経営方針を踏襲する意向だ。
The new president also intends to follow the previous CEO's management policy.
Bilingual Context for "則る"
毎日、日本語を練習するために則る。
Every day, I follow (a rule), to be based on to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しい社長も前任者の経営方針を ＿＿＿ する意向だ。" (Meaning: "The new president also intends to follow the previous CEO's management policy.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "踏襲" fits here because it means "follow, adhere to, carry on (a tradition, policy)" in the context of: "The new president also intends to follow the previous CEO's management policy.". "則る" represents "to follow (a rule), to be based on".