従う
shitagau[ɕita̠ɡa̠ɯ̟]
The Japanese verb for 'to obey' is 従う (shitagau).
従う means to obey or to follow. While it is used when following a command, it is also the standard way to express following a rule, a suggestion or a path.
Meaning: to do as one is told (verb)
Which one should you use?
If you wish to describe someone as an 'obedient' person, such as an obedient child, use the noun-based adjective 従順 instead of the verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 従う is almost always used with the particle に to indicate the thing being obeyed (に従う). To express the past tense, use 従った (obeyed) and to express the negative, use 従わない (not obey).
How do you pronounce it?
shitagau
Did you know?
- The phrase 言うことに従う (to obey what is said) is common, but in high-pressure social situations, Japanese speakers often omit the verb entirely. They might use a vague phrase like 分かりました (I understood) to imply obedience without explicitly stating they are obeying.
- Japanese has a specific term 従順 for an obedient person, but using it can sometimes sound overly passive or suggest a lack of willpower. In modern contexts, being 'too' 従順 can be viewed as a personality flaw rather than a virtue.
- In certain historical contexts, the act of 'obeying' was written with characters that emphasized the concept of 'serving' or 'being a vassal', reflecting the feudal system.
Examples in context
- 法律には、従うべきだ。We should obey the law.This sentence shows how to use 従う regarding the law.Tatoeba #82670 by small_snow, translation #321046 by CK
- 君は両親に従うべきだ。You should obey your parents.This sentence shows how to use 従う regarding parents.Tatoeba #176821 by bunbuku, translation #237640 by CK
- 法律に従うのは我々の義務だ。It is our duty to obey the law.Tatoeba #82666 by bunbuku, translation #321018 by CC
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing a new company rule.
- 陽太 Yota新しいルールに、みんな従うのかな？Atarashii rūru ni, minna shitagau no kana?I wonder if everyone will obey the new rules?
- 美咲 Misaki当然、従うしかないと思うよ。Tōzen, shitagau shikanai to omou yo.Of course, I think we have no choice but to obey.
- 陽太 Yotaでも、ちょっと厳しすぎる気がするよ。Demo, chotto kibishisugiru ki ga suru yo.But I feel like it's a bit too strict.
- 美咲 Misakiそれでも、陽太は従わなきゃだめだよ。Soredemo, Yōta wa shitaganakya dame da yo.Even so, Yota, you have to obey.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 従う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
