日本語道場

Nihongo Dojo — N3 → N2

Grammar

N2

～に則って

~ni nottotte

in accordance with (rules)

When to use it

Use ～に則って when an action conforms to an explicit, authoritative standard — laws, regulations, contracts, formal precedent, or established ceremony. It is noticeably stiffer than ～に従って and appears mostly in written notices, compliance documents, and formal spoken reporting. Note that it does not work with people's instructions or wishes; the standard must be a codified rule or custom.

Formation

  • Noun + に則って — 規則に則って, 法律に則って (the only pattern; 則る is a verb taking に)
  • Noun + に則り — more formal written/spoken-formal variant, common in email and announcements
  • Noun + に則った + Noun — attributive use: 手続きに則った対応
  • Does not attach to verbs, i-adjectives or na-adjectives; nominalize first (例:従来のやり方に則って)
  • Avoid with personal directives — 部長の指示に則って is unnatural; use ～に従って

Examples

  • We will handle it in accordance with internal regulations.

  • We will respond strictly, in accordance with the work rules.

  • We ask that operations conform to the contract provisions.

  • The bidding was conducted fairly, in accordance with the law.

  • We are proceeding in accordance with established custom.