Translation guide
To follow or obey a rule, law, decision, or agreement. In Japanese, this is expressed with verbs meaning 'to follow', 'to obey', or 'to comply with', often using set phrases.
The most common meaning: to act in accordance with established rules, laws, or regulations.
General verb for following rules, instructions, or orders. Used widely in formal and everyday contexts.
交通ルールに従ってください。
Please abide by the traffic rules.
彼は会社の方針に従った。
He abided by the company policy.
Means 'to protect' or 'to observe'. Commonly used for rules, promises, and schedules. Slightly more everyday than 従う.
約束を守ってください。
Please abide by your promise.
法律を守るのは当然だ。
It's natural to abide by the law.
Formal term for compliance, often used in legal, business, or official contexts.
規則を遵守しなければならない。
We must abide by the regulations.
To accept a ruling, verdict, or decision and act accordingly, often with a sense of obligation.
Also used for decisions, judgments, or orders from authority figures.
裁判所の決定に従います。
I will abide by the court's decision.
Means 'to accept'. Emphasizes the acceptance aspect rather than just following. Often used when the decision is unfavorable.
To honor a commitment or agreement.
The standard verb for keeping promises and agreements.
契約を守る義務がある。
We have an obligation to abide by the contract.
Formal term for fulfilling or carrying out a duty, promise, or contract. Used in legal/business contexts.
契約を履行しなければならない。
The contract must be abided by.
Both mean 'to abide by', but 従う (shitagau) implies following a direction or order from a higher authority, while 守る (mamoru) focuses on protecting or keeping something intact, like a rule or promise. 従う is more about obedience, 守る about observance.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'abide by'. Always use a combination of a noun (rule, promise, etc.) and a verb like 従う or 守る. Avoid literal translations like 'アバイドする'.
彼は審判の判定を受け入れた。
He abided by the referee's decision.