Translation guide
The English verb 'follow' covers many distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from physical movement to abstract concepts, and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To move behind someone or something in the same direction.
The most common and natural way to say 'follow' in the sense of physically going after someone. It implies accompanying or trailing behind.
犬が私についてきた。
The dog followed me.
彼の後ろについて行ってください。
Please follow behind him.
Literally 'chase after', used when following someone who has left, or pursuing. Slightly more deliberate than ついていく.
彼女は彼の後を追った。
She followed him (after he left).
Means 'to follow' in the sense of obeying or accompanying a leader. Not used for casual physical following.
部下は上司に従った。
The subordinates followed their boss.
To comply with rules, instructions, advice, or a leader.
The standard verb for following rules, orders, or advice. Can also mean to follow a person's lead.
ルールに従ってください。
Please follow the rules.
医者の指示に従います。
I will follow the doctor's instructions.
Means 'to protect' or 'to observe', used for following rules, promises, or schedules. Emphasizes adherence.
Means 'along' or 'in accordance with', used for following guidelines, plans, or procedures.
計画に沿って進めます。
We will proceed following the plan.
To comprehend something as it happens, like a conversation, story, or class.
Used metaphorically to mean 'keep up with' or 'follow' a discussion, class, or fast-paced explanation. Often used in potential form ついていける.
話が早すぎてついていけなかった。
The conversation was too fast; I couldn't follow it.
授業についていくのが大変です。
It's hard to follow the class.
Simply means 'to understand'. More direct than ついていく, but less idiomatic for 'following' a dynamic process.
彼の説明を理解できましたか？
Were you able to follow his explanation?
To happen or appear after something else.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to continue' or 'to follow' in a sequence. Used for events, pages, or items that come next.
この後に続く話はもっと面白いです。
The story that follows is more interesting.
春の後に夏が続きます。
Summer follows spring.
Literally 'come next', a straightforward way to say something follows in order.
次に来るのは田中さんの番です。
Next to follow is Mr. Tanaka's turn.
To subscribe to someone's updates on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Direct loanword from English, universally used for social media 'follow'.
インスタでフォローしてください。
Please follow me on Instagram.
To go along a route or line.
Means 'to go along' something like a road, river, or line.
この道に沿って行くと駅があります。
If you follow this road, you'll find the station.
Means 'to advance' or 'proceed', often used for following a route or direction.
矢印の方向に進んでください。
Please follow the direction of the arrow.
To imitate or take someone as a model.
Means 'to follow someone's example' or 'to learn from someone's behavior'.
彼のやり方を見習いたい。
I want to follow his way of doing things.
Literally 'to make a model', meaning to follow someone as a role model.
彼女を手本にしています。
I follow her example.
To take further action or check on a previous matter.
Loanword commonly used in business contexts for 'follow up'.
明日、メールでフォローアップします。
I'll follow up by email tomorrow.
Means 'to track' or 'to follow up on' a matter, often used in investigations or customer service.
その問題については追跡調査を行います。
We will follow up on that issue.
The English verb 'follow' has many meanings that do not map directly to a single Japanese word. Using フォローする outside of social media or business follow-up can sound unnatural. Always choose the option that matches the specific meaning you intend.
Please follow through on your promise.
時間を守りましょう。
Let's follow the schedule (be punctual).