Translation guide
Expresses the idea of following rules, standards, expectations, or patterns. The best Japanese choice depends on whether you are obeying a rule, matching a standard, adapting to a group, or fitting a mold.
To act in accordance with established rules, laws, or formal requirements.
General verb for obeying or following rules, instructions, or orders. Often used with に.
規則に従ってください。
Please conform to the rules.
法律に従う義務がある。
We have a duty to conform to the law.
Formal term for conforming to standards, specifications, or regulations. Common in legal, technical, or business contexts.
この製品は安全基準に準拠しています。
This product conforms to safety standards.
Strict compliance with rules or laws. Often used in official or legal contexts.
交通ルールを遵守しましょう。
Let's conform to traffic rules.
To be in agreement with a particular standard, specification, or expected pattern.
Means to match or be in exact agreement with a standard or condition. Often used with に.
その結果は予想に合致している。
The results conform to expectations.
To fit or be suitable for a standard, often used for technical compatibility or meeting requirements.
この部品は規格に適合している。
This part conforms to the specifications.
To coincide or agree with something. Can be used for opinions, facts, or patterns matching.
彼の行動は言葉と一致していない。
His actions don't conform to his words.
To adjust one's behavior to fit in with a group or society.
To conform to group pressure or follow what others do. Often used in social psychology contexts.
周りに同調する必要はない。
You don't need to conform to those around you.
Literally 'read the air', meaning to sense the atmosphere and conform to unspoken social expectations.
彼は空気を読むのが上手だ。
He is good at conforming to the atmosphere.
To adjust oneself to others or a situation. Often used as に合わせる.
To be forced into a predetermined shape or pattern, losing individuality.
To force someone or something into a fixed mold. Often used critically.
子供を型にはめようとする教育はよくない。
Education that tries to make children conform to a mold is not good.
To standardize or make uniform, often implying loss of diversity.
教育の画一化は創造性を損なう。
Conforming education to a single standard harms creativity.
従う is the most general and can be used for rules, orders, or advice. 準拠する is formal and used for standards or specifications. 遵守する implies strict, often legal compliance.
上司の指示に従う。
Follow the boss's instructions.
ISO規格に準拠する。
Conform to ISO standards.
法令を遵守する。
Comply with laws and regulations.
English 'conform to' can often be translated directly with に従う or に合わせる, but in social contexts, Japanese often uses phrases like 空気を読む or 同調する instead of a direct translation. Avoid using コンフォームする, which is not natural Japanese.
みんなに合わせて行動した。
I acted to conform to everyone else.