Japanese

ならう
Meaning: to follow (an example); to model after; to imitate
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 倣う 倣わない
Polite 倣います 倣いません
Past 倣った 倣わなかった
Polite + Past 倣いました 倣いませんでした
Te-form 倣って 倣わなくて
Potential 倣える 倣えない
Passive 倣われる 倣われない
Causative 倣わせる 倣わせない
Causative + Passive 倣わされる 倣わされない
Imperative 倣え 倣うな

Handwriting

倣
う

Example sentences

The new system was modeled after the British education system.
名代官の転任を惜しんだ民衆が、侯覇臥轍の故事にならって彼の馬車を引き止めた。
The people, who lamented the transfer of the great local official, blocked his carriage following the ancient tale of Hou Ba.
近江八景は中国の瀟湘八景に倣って選ばれた名勝だ。
The Eight Views of Omi are scenic spots chosen in imitation of the Eight Views of Xiao and Xiang in China.

Usage Notes

Used when following a precedent, example, or pattern set by others. Often takes the particle 'に'.

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