Understanding「〜とおり」 in Japanese

If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably come across the phrase 「〜とおり」 at some point. This grammar pattern is incredibly useful for expressing actions, instructions, and events happening “as expected,” “just as,” or “in the same way” as something else. Whether you’re following a recipe, describing an event, or giving precise instructions, 「〜とおり」 helps you communicate with accuracy and clarity.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
✅ The true meaning of 「〜とおり」 and why it’s so powerful
✅ How to use 「〜とおり」 correctly in everyday conversations
✅ Common mistakes learners make (and how to avoid them!)
✅ Real-life example sentences with Romaji, and English translations

By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only understand 「〜とおり」 perfectly, but you’ll also be able to use it naturally, just like a native speaker.

Let’s dive in!

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Common Expressions Using 「〜とおり」

Now that you understand the basics of 「〜とおり」, let’s explore 10 useful expressions where this grammar pattern naturally appears. These phrases are commonly used in daily conversations, instructions, and even formal speech.

1. 思ったとおり (Omotta tōri) – Just as I thought

📌 Example:
🔹 思ったとおり、テストは難しかった。
🔹 Omotta tōri, tesuto wa muzukashikatta.
🔹 (Just as I thought, the test was difficult.)

2. 予想どおり (Yosō dōri) – As expected

📌 Example:
🔹 予想どおり、雨が降り始めた。
🔹 Yosō dōri, ame ga furi hajimeta.
🔹 (As expected, it started to rain.)

3. 指示どおり (Shiji dōri) – According to instructions

📌 Example:
🔹 先生の指示どおりに、宿題をしました。
🔹 Sensei no shiji dōri ni, shukudai o shimashita.
🔹 (I did my homework according to the teacher’s instructions.)

4. 予定どおり (Yotei dōri) – As planned

📌 Example:
🔹 旅行は予定どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Ryokō wa yotei dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The trip is going as planned.)

5. ルールどおり (Rūru dōri) – According to the rules

📌 Example:
🔹 試合はルールどおりに行われました。
🔹 Shiai wa rūru dōri ni okonawaremashita.
🔹 (The match was conducted according to the rules.)

6. 予報どおり (Yohō dōri) – Just like the forecast said

📌 Example:
🔹 天気は予報どおりに晴れた。
🔹 Tenki wa yohō dōri ni hareta.
🔹 (The weather cleared up just like the forecast said.)

7. 計画どおり (Keikaku dōri) – As per the plan

📌 Example:
🔹 プロジェクトは計画どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Purojekuto wa keikaku dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The project is progressing as per the plan.)

8. 約束どおり (Yakusoku dōri) – As promised

📌 Example:
🔹 約束どおり、明日会いましょう。
🔹 Yakusoku dōri, ashita aimashō.
🔹 (Let’s meet tomorrow as promised.)

9. 本のとおり (Hon no tōri) – Just like the book says

📌 Example:
🔹 この料理は本のとおりに作りました。
🔹 Kono ryōri wa hon no tōri ni tsukurimashita.
🔹 (I made this dish just like the book says.)

10. マニュアルのとおり (Manyuaru no tōri) – Following the manual

📌 Example:
🔹 マニュアルのとおりに設定してください。
🔹 Manyuaru no tōri ni settei shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please set it up according to the manual.)

These 10 practical expressions will help you use 「〜とおり」 in real-life situations with confidence. Try practicing them in conversations and writing to make them feel natural!

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Usage of 「〜とおり」

The grammar point 「〜とおり」 is highly versatile and used in various real-life situations. Below are the key scenarios where this expression is commonly applied:

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1. Expressing “Just as Expected”

You can use 「〜とおり」 to show that something happened exactly as you predicted or expected.

✅ Example:
🔹 思ったとおり、試験は難しかった。
🔹 Omotta tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.
🔹 (Just as I thought, the exam was difficult.)

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2. Following Instructions or Orders

When you need to indicate that something was done according to given instructions, rules, or commands, 「〜とおり」 is the perfect phrase to use.

✅ Example:
🔹 先生の指示どおりに宿題をやりました。
🔹 Sensei no shiji dōri ni shukudai o yarimashita.
🔹 (I did my homework according to the teacher’s instructions.)

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3. Describing Plans and Predictions

If something happens as planned or as forecasted, 「〜とおり」 helps to express that the outcome matched the expectation.

✅ Example:
🔹 旅行は予定どおりに進んでいます。
🔹 Ryokō wa yotei dōri ni susundeimasu.
🔹 (The trip is going as planned.)

✅ Example:
🔹 天気は予報どおりに晴れた。
🔹 Tenki wa yohō dōri ni hareta.
🔹 (The weather cleared up just like the forecast said.)

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4. Performing Actions in the Same Manner

You can use 「〜とおり」 when instructing someone to follow a manual, book, or any set of instructions exactly as given.

✅ Example:
🔹 マニュアルのとおりに設定してください。
🔹 Manyuaru no tōri ni settei shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please set it up according to the manual.)

✅ Example:
🔹 本のとおりに料理を作りました。
🔹 Hon no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.
🔹 (I made the dish exactly as written in the book.)

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5. Describing Rules and Regulations

When something follows a set of rules, laws, or official guidelines, 「〜とおり」 can be used to describe adherence to them.

✅ Example:
🔹 試合はルールどおりに行われました。
🔹 Shiai wa rūru dōri ni okonawaremashita.
🔹 (The match was conducted according to the rules.)

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6. Keeping Promises

When you want to emphasize that something was done as promised, you can use 「〜とおり」 to confirm that the commitment was fulfilled.

✅ Example:
🔹 約束どおりにお金を返しました。
🔹 Yakusoku dōri ni okane o kaeshimashita.
🔹 (I returned the money as promised.)

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7. Explaining Results Matching Expectations

When an outcome perfectly matches an expectation or prediction, 「〜とおり」 expresses that sense of alignment.

✅ Example:
🔹 予想どおり、彼が試合に勝った。
🔹 Yosō dōri, kare ga shiai ni katta.
🔹 (As expected, he won the match.)

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8. Giving Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need to explain how to do something in a step-by-step manner, you can use 「〜とおり」 to ensure that actions are followed precisely.

✅ Example:
🔹 私の言うとおりにしてください。
🔹 Watashi no iu tōri ni shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please do exactly as I say.)

These are the most common situations where 「〜とおり」 is used in Japanese. This grammar point is essential for daily communication, making instructions clear, and expressing expectations accurately.

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Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Verb

The grammar point 「〜とおり」 can be used with verbs in different forms. Below is a complete breakdown of how to use it with:

• Dictionary Form (Plain Form) → (Verb as is)
• Past Form (Ta-form) → (Verb in た-form)
• Stem Form (Masu-stem for ます verbs) → (Verb without ます)

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1. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Different Verb Groups

Verb Group	Dictionary Form (Plain Form) + とおり	Past Form (Ta-form) + とおり	Stem Form (Masu-stem) + とおり
Group 1 (う-Verbs)	読むとおり (Yomu tōri) → (As one reads…)	読んだとおり (Yonda tōri) → (As one read…)	読みとおり (Yomi tōri) → (As one is reading…)
Group 2 (る-Verbs)	見るとおり (Miru tōri) → (As one sees…)	見たとおり (Mita tōri) → (As one saw…)	見とおり (Mi tōri) → (As one is seeing…)
Group 3 (Irregular Verbs)	する通り (Suru tōri) → (As one does…) 来るとおり (Kuru tōri) → (As one comes…)	したとおり (Shita tōri) → (As one did…) 来たとおり (Kita tōri) → (As one came…)	しとおり (Shi tōri) → (As one is doing…) 来とおり (Ki tōri) → (As one is coming…)

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2. Example Sentences for Each Verb Group in Different Forms

📌 Group 1 (う-Verbs) Example: 「書く」 (kaku – to write)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 先生が書くとおりにメモしてください。
🔹 Sensei ga kaku tōri ni memo shite kudasai.
🔹 (Please take notes exactly as the teacher writes.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 先生が書いたとおりに答えを書いてください。
🔹 Sensei ga kaita tōri ni kotae o kaite kudasai.
🔹 (Please write the answer exactly as the teacher wrote.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 先生の書きとおりに書けば大丈夫です。
🔹 Sensei no kaki tōri ni kakeba daijōbu desu.
🔹 (If you write as the teacher is writing, you’ll be fine.)

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📌 Group 2 (る-Verbs) Example: 「食べる」 (taberu – to eat)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 レシピに書いてあるとおりに食べると美味しいです。
🔹 Reshipi ni kaite aru tōri ni taberu to oishii desu.
🔹 (It’s delicious if you eat it as written in the recipe.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 レシピのとおりに食べたら、美味しかった。
🔹 Reshipi no tōri ni tabetara, oishikatta.
🔹 (It was delicious when I ate it as per the recipe.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 レシピの食べとおりに作れば大丈夫です。
🔹 Reshipi no tabe tōri ni tsukureba daijōbu desu.
🔹 (If you cook it as you are eating, it will be fine.)

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📌 Group 3 (Irregular Verbs) Example: 「する」 (suru – to do) & 「来る」 (kuru – to come)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 彼がする通りにやってください。
🔹 Kare ga suru tōri ni yatte kudasai.
🔹 (Please do it just as he does.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 彼がしたとおりにやれば成功します。
🔹 Kare ga shita tōri ni yareba seikō shimasu.
🔹 (If you do it as he did, you will succeed.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 彼のしとおりに練習すれば上手になります。
🔹 Kare no shi tōri ni renshū sureba jōzu ni narimasu.
🔹 (If you practice as he is doing, you will improve.)

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📌 Example with 「来る」 (Kuru – to come)

✅ Dictionary Form:
🔹 先生が来るとおりに準備してください。
🔹 Sensei ga kuru tōri ni junbi shite kudasai.
🔹 (Prepare as the teacher comes.)

✅ Past Form (Ta-form):
🔹 先生が来たとおりに、試験が始まります。
🔹 Sensei ga kita tōri ni, shiken ga hajimarimasu.
🔹 (As the teacher arrived, the exam started.)

✅ Stem Form (Masu-stem):
🔹 先生の来とおりに行動してください。
🔹 Sensei no ki tōri ni kōdō shite kudasai.
🔹 (Act as the teacher is coming.)

By mastering the different verb conjugations with 「〜とおり」, you can express actions that are done exactly as expected, predicted, or instructed. Whether you are following a manual, repeating someone’s actions, or verifying if something happened as anticipated, this grammar pattern is essential for clear and natural Japanese communication!

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Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Nouns and Adjectives

In addition to verbs, 「〜とおり」 can also be used with nouns and adjectives to express “as expected,” “just like,” or “exactly as.” Below is a detailed breakdown of how to use 「〜とおり」 with:

1. Nouns
2. い-Adjectives
3. な-Adjectives

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1. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with Nouns

📌 Rule for Nouns:

For nouns, 「の」 is added before 「とおり」 to link the two words.
🔹 Noun + の + とおり → (As per [Noun], Just like [Noun])

Noun	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
予想 (yosou) – Expectation	予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。	Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.	As expected, the exam was difficult.
説明 (setsumei) – Explanation	先生の説明のとおりにやってください。	Sensei no setsumei no tōri ni yatte kudasai.	Please do it exactly as explained by the teacher.
計画 (keikaku) – Plan	計画のとおりに進めます。	Keikaku no tōri ni susumemasu.	We will proceed according to the plan.
指示 (shiji) – Instructions	指示のとおりに行動してください。	Shiji no tōri ni kōdō shite kudasai.	Please act as per the instructions.
地図 (chizu) – Map	地図のとおりに行けば、迷いません。	Chizu no tōri ni ikeba, mayoimasen.	If you follow the map, you won’t get lost.

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2. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with い-Adjectives

📌 Rule for い-Adjectives:

Since い-adjectives cannot directly attach to 「とおり」, they are converted into their noun form by adding 「こと」 before 「とおり」.
🔹 い-Adjective + こと + とおり → (As [Adjective] as expected)

い-Adjective	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
簡単 (kantan) – Simple	思ったこととおり、問題は簡単だった。	Omotta koto tōri, mondai wa kantan datta.	As I thought, the problem was simple.
難しい (muzukashii) – Difficult	聞いたこととおり、その試験は難しい。	Kiita koto tōri, sono shiken wa muzukashii.	As I heard, that exam is difficult.
楽しい (tanoshii) – Fun	予想したこととおり、旅行はとても楽しかった。	Yosou shita koto tōri, ryokō wa totemo tanoshikatta.	As I expected, the trip was really fun.
正しい (tadashii) – Correct	あなたの言ったこととおり、それは正しかった。	Anata no itta koto tōri, sore wa tadashikatta.	As you said, that was correct.
高い (takai) – Expensive	店員が言ったこととおり、その時計は高かった。	Ten’in ga itta koto tōri, sono tokei wa takakatta.	As the clerk said, that watch was expensive.

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3. Conjugation of 「〜とおり」 with な-Adjectives

📌 Rule for な-Adjectives:

Since な-adjectives function like nouns, they follow the same rule as nouns and use 「の」 before 「とおり」.
🔹 な-Adjective + な + の + とおり → (As [Adjective] as expected)

な-Adjective	Example Sentence	Romaji	English Translation
静か (shizuka) – Quiet	彼の部屋は聞いたのとおり、静かだった。	Kare no heya wa kiita no tōri, shizuka datta.	As I heard, his room was quiet.
有名 (yuumei) – Famous	彼女は写真のとおり、有名な人です。	Kanojo wa shashin no tōri, yūmei na hito desu.	As in the photo, she is a famous person.
便利 (benri) – Convenient	このアプリは説明のとおり、便利ですね。	Kono apuri wa setsumei no tōri, benri desu ne.	As described, this app is convenient.
元気 (genki) – Energetic	あなたの言ったのとおり、彼は元気だった。	Anata no itta no tōri, kare wa genki datta.	As you said, he was energetic.
親切 (shinsetsu) – Kind	その人は紹介のとおり、とても親切だった。	Sono hito wa shōkai no tōri, totemo shinsetsu datta.	As introduced, that person was very kind.

By learning how to use 「〜とおり」 with nouns, い-adjectives, and な-adjectives, you can express confirmation, expectations, and precise descriptions in various situations.

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Got it! Here’s the Grammar Rules section with the “How to Use 「〜とおり」 with Different Word Types” part removed.

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Grammar Rules of 「〜とおり」

The 「〜とおり」 grammar structure is used to express that something happens exactly as expected, planned, instructed, or perceived. Below are all the essential grammar rules related to 「〜とおり」, along with clear explanations and examples.

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1️⃣ Basic Sentence Structure

「〜とおり」 is commonly used in the following pattern:

🔹 [Action/Noun] + とおり (に) + [Main Clause]
(Do something exactly as [Action/Noun] describes.)

Examples:

✅ 予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。
(Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.)
➡️ As expected, the exam was difficult.

✅ 先生が言ったとおりに、宿題をしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni, shukudai o shimashita.)
➡️ I did my homework exactly as the teacher said.

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2️⃣ 「〜とおり」 vs. 「〜のとおり」

The choice between 「〜とおり」 and 「〜のとおり」 depends on the word before it.

Word Before 「とおり」	Grammar Rule
Verbs	Use dictionary form (plain form) or past form (た-form) before 「とおり」.
Nouns	Attach 「の」 before 「とおり」.

Examples:

✅ 計画のとおりに進めます。
(Keikaku no tōri ni susumemasu.)
➡️ We will proceed according to the plan. (Noun + のとおり)

✅ 聞いたとおりにやってください。
(Kiita tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Please do it as you heard. (Verb in past form + とおり)

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3️⃣ Optional Use of 「に」 after 「とおり」

Sometimes, 「に」 is added after 「とおり」, depending on the sentence structure.

Form	Example Sentence	Romaji	Translation
Without に	予想のとおり、彼は合格した。	Yosou no tōri, kare wa goukaku shita.	As expected, he passed.
With に	先生が言ったとおりにやりました。	Sensei ga itta tōri ni yarimashita.	I did it exactly as the teacher said.

✅ 「に」 is optional if the meaning is still clear without it.
✅ 「に」 is required when followed by a verb, such as やる (do), 行く (go), 書く (write), 話す (speak).

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4️⃣ 「〜とおり」 vs. Similar Expressions

Grammar Point	Meaning	Example Sentence	Translation
〜とおり	“As expected / As instructed”	先生が言ったとおりにやってください。	Do it as the teacher said.
〜ように	“So that / In order to”	風邪を引かないように、マスクをしてください。	Wear a mask so that you don’t catch a cold.
〜まま	“As is / Leave as is”	電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。	I fell asleep with the lights on.

✅ 「〜とおり」 focuses on following instructions, plans, or expectations.
✅ 「〜ように」 focuses on purpose or results.
✅ 「〜まま」 describes unchanged states.

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Things to Keep in Mind When Using 「〜とおり」

Understanding 「〜とおり」 is straightforward, but there are a few tricky points and exceptions to be aware of. Below are some important rules, nuances, and mistakes to avoid when using this grammar structure.

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1️⃣ Be Careful with 「に」 After 「とおり」

• The particle 「に」 is sometimes added after 「とおり」, but not always.
• 「に」 is required when a verb follows 「とおり」.
• 「に」 is optional when there is no verb immediately after 「とおり」.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやってください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it exactly as the teacher said. (Verb follows → に is necessary)

✅ 予想のとおり、彼は合格した。
(Yosou no tōri, kare wa goukaku shita.)
➡️ As expected, he passed. (No verb immediately after → に is not used)

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2️⃣ 「〜とおり」 Changes to 「〜どおり」 in Some Cases

• When attached to certain nouns, 「とおり」 becomes 「どおり」 instead.
• This happens mainly with common set expressions.

Examples:

✅ 予定どおりに試験が終わった。
(Yotei dōri ni shiken ga owatta.)
➡️ The exam ended as scheduled. (Instead of 予定のとおり, we use 予定どおり.)

✅ 指示どおりに動いてください。
(Shiji dōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
➡️ Move according to the instructions.

🔹 Common nouns that use 「どおり」 instead of 「とおり」:

• 予定どおり (As scheduled)
• 指示どおり (As instructed)
• 思ったどおり (As I thought)
• 希望どおり (As hoped)

💡 Tip: If a noun directly follows 「とおり」, check if it has a common どおり form!

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3️⃣ Difference Between 「〜とおり」 and 「〜まま」

🔹 「〜とおり」 → Focuses on following instructions or expectations.
🔹 「〜まま」 → Focuses on keeping something unchanged.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやりました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yarimashita.)
➡️ I did it exactly as the teacher said. (Followed the instructions)

✅ 電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。
(Denki o tsuketa mama nete shimatta.)
➡️ I fell asleep with the lights on. (State remained unchanged)

💡 Tip: If you’re following a plan or instructions, use 「とおり」.
If you’re keeping a condition unchanged, use 「まま」 instead.

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4️⃣ Be Careful with Negative Forms

• When using 「〜とおり」 in negative sentences, be careful with meaning.
• If the first clause is negative, the second clause also follows the negative meaning.

Examples:

✅ 思ったとおり、彼は来なかった。
(Omotta tōri, kare wa konakatta.)
➡️ Just as I thought, he didn’t come.

✅ 聞いたとおりにしなかったので、失敗しました。
(Kiita tōri ni shinakatta node, shippai shimashita.)
➡️ I failed because I didn’t do it as I was told.

💡 Tip: If using 「〜とおり」 in a negative sentence, make sure the meaning is logical!

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5️⃣ Difference Between 「〜ように」 and 「〜とおり」

Grammar	Meaning	Example	Translation
〜とおり	As expected / instructed	先生が言ったとおりに書いてください。	Write as the teacher said.
〜ように	So that / In order to	風邪を引かないようにマスクをしてください。	Wear a mask so that you don’t catch a cold.

💡 Tip: If you’re talking about following instructions → Use 「〜とおり」.
If you’re talking about purpose or goals → Use 「〜ように」 instead.

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6️⃣ Watch Out for Particle Changes When Using 「〜のとおり」

• When a noun comes before 「〜とおり」, use 「の」.
• When a verb comes before 「〜とおり」, do not use 「の」.

Examples:

✅ 先生の指示のとおりにやってください。
(Sensei no shiji no tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it according to the teacher’s instructions. (Noun → Use の)

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにやってください。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni yatte kudasai.)
➡️ Do it exactly as the teacher said. (Verb → No の)

💡 Tip: If the phrase before 「とおり」 is a noun, always use 「の」!

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7️⃣ 「〜とおりにする」 vs. 「〜とおりになる」

• 「〜とおりにする」 → You actively do something as planned.
• 「〜とおりになる」 → Something naturally happens as expected.

Examples:

✅ 先生が言ったとおりにしました。
(Sensei ga itta tōri ni shimashita.)
➡️ I did exactly as the teacher said. (You actively followed instructions)

✅ 予想のとおりになった。
(Yosou no tōri ni natta.)
➡️ It turned out just as expected. (Happened naturally)

💡 Tip: If you’re taking action, use 「する」.
If something happens naturally, use 「なる」.

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Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences using 「〜とおり」to help you understand its real-life usage.

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Following Instructions or Expectations

1. 先生が言ったとおりに宿題をしました。
   (Sensei ga itta tōri ni shukudai o shimashita.)
   ➡️ I did my homework exactly as the teacher said.
2. レシピのとおりに料理を作りました。
   (Reshipi no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.)
   ➡️ I cooked according to the recipe.
3. 説明書のとおりにパソコンを設定しました。
   (Setsumeisho no tōri ni pasokon o settei shimashita.)
   ➡️ I set up the computer according to the manual.
4. 先生の指示のとおりに動いてください。
   (Sensei no shiji no tōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
   ➡️ Please move according to the teacher’s instructions.
5. 私が言ったとおりにやれば、大丈夫です。
   (Watashi ga itta tōri ni yareba, daijōbu desu.)
   ➡️ If you do it as I said, it will be fine.

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Describing Things That Happened as Expected

6. 予想のとおり、試験は難しかった。
   (Yosou no tōri, shiken wa muzukashikatta.)
   ➡️ As expected, the exam was difficult.
7. 思ったとおりの結果でした。
   (Omotta tōri no kekka deshita.)
   ➡️ The result was just as I thought.
8. 天気予報のとおりに雨が降りました。
   (Tenki yohō no tōri ni ame ga furimashita.)
   ➡️ It rained just as the weather forecast predicted.
9. 彼は私が考えたとおりの人でした。
   (Kare wa watashi ga kangaeta tōri no hito deshita.)
   ➡️ He was exactly the kind of person I thought he would be.
10. 噂のとおり、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。
    (Uwasa no tōri, sono resutoran no ryōri wa oishikatta.)
    ➡️ As the rumors said, the food at that restaurant was delicious.

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Following Movements, Plans, or Changes

11. 地図のとおりに進んでください。
    (Chizu no tōri ni susunde kudasai.)
    ➡️ Please follow the map to proceed.
12. スケジュールのとおりに会議を進めます。
    (Sukejūru no tōri ni kaigi o susumemasu.)
    ➡️ We will proceed with the meeting according to the schedule.
13. 計画どおりに仕事が進んでいます。
    (Keikaku dōri ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.)
    ➡️ The work is progressing as planned.
14. マニュアルのとおりにソフトをインストールしてください。
    (Manyuaru no tōri ni sofuto o insutōru shite kudasai.)
    ➡️ Please install the software according to the manual.
15. 道のとおりに歩けば、駅に着きます。
    (Michi no tōri ni arukeba, eki ni tsukimasu.)
    ➡️ If you walk along the road, you will reach the station.

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Expressing Personal Thoughts and Opinions

16. あなたが言ったとおり、日本の夏はとても暑いですね。
    (Anata ga itta tōri, Nihon no natsu wa totemo atsui desu ne.)
    ➡️ As you said, summers in Japan are very hot.
17. 映画は期待したとおりに面白かったです。
    (Eiga wa kitai shita tōri ni omoshirokatta desu.)
    ➡️ The movie was as interesting as I expected.
18. 彼の話は聞いたとおりに正しかった。
    (Kare no hanashi wa kiita tōri ni tadashikatta.)
    ➡️ His story was correct just as I had heard.
19. 彼女の料理は評判のとおりに美味しかった。
    (Kanojo no ryōri wa hyōban no tōri ni oishikatta.)
    ➡️ Her cooking was as delicious as the reviews said.
20. 私が想像したとおりの素晴らしい景色でした。
    (Watashi ga sōzō shita tōri no subarashii keshiki deshita.)
    ➡️ It was a magnificent view, just as I had imagined.

These example sentences cover different contexts where 「〜とおり」 is used. Let me know in comment if you want more examples! 😊

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Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using 「〜とおり」 appropriately. The verb, noun, or adjective that needs to be conjugated is given in parentheses (bold).

1. 先生が ______ に答えてください。（言う）
2. ______ に料理を作りました。（レシピ）
3. ______ にパソコンを設定しました。（説明書）
4. 試験は ______ 、難しかった。（予想する）
5. 雨が ______ に降りました。（天気予報）
6. ______ に進んでください。（地図）
7. 先生の指示の ______ に動いてください。（とおり）
8. 彼女の料理は ______ に美味しかった。（評判）
9. 彼は私が ______ の人でした。（考える）
10. あなたが ______ 、彼は本当に親切な人ですね。（言う）
11. ______ に仕事が進んでいます。（計画）
12. ______ に歩けば、駅に着きます。（道）
13. 私が ______ の結果でした。（思う）
14. 私が ______ の素晴らしい景色でした。（想像する）
15. 彼の話は ______ に正しかった。（聞く）
16. ______ にソフトをインストールしてください。（マニュアル）
17. ______ に会議を進めます。（スケジュール）
18. 先生が ______ にやれば、大丈夫です。（言う）
19. 映画は ______ に面白かったです。（期待する）
20. ______ 、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。（噂）

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Answers

Here are the correct answers along with Romaji and English translations.

1. 先生が 言ったとおり に答えてください。
   (Sensei ga itta tōri ni kotaete kudasai.)
   ➡️ Please answer as the teacher said.
2. レシピのとおり に料理を作りました。
   (Reshipi no tōri ni ryōri o tsukurimashita.)
   ➡️ I cooked according to the recipe.
3. 説明書のとおり にパソコンを設定しました。
   (Setsumeisho no tōri ni pasokon o settei shimashita.)
   ➡️ I set up the computer according to the manual.
4. 試験は 予想したとおり 、難しかった。
   (Shiken wa yosou shita tōri, muzukashikatta.)
   ➡️ The exam was as difficult as predicted.
5. 雨が 天気予報のとおり に降りました。
   (Ame ga tenki yohō no tōri ni furimashita.)
   ➡️ It rained just as the weather forecast predicted.
6. 地図のとおり に進んでください。
   (Chizu no tōri ni susunde kudasai.)
   ➡️ Please follow the map to proceed.
7. 先生の指示の とおり に動いてください。
   (Sensei no shiji no tōri ni ugoite kudasai.)
   ➡️ Please move according to the teacher’s instructions.
8. 彼女の料理は 評判のとおり に美味しかった。
   (Kanojo no ryōri wa hyōban no tōri ni oishikatta.)
   ➡️ Her cooking was as delicious as the reviews said.
9. 彼は私が 考えたとおり の人でした。
   (Kare wa watashi ga kangaeta tōri no hito deshita.)
   ➡️ He was exactly the kind of person I thought he would be.
10. あなたが 言ったとおり 、彼は本当に親切な人ですね。
    (Anata ga itta tōri, kare wa hontō ni shinsetsu na hito desu ne.)
    ➡️ As you said, he is really a kind person.
11. 計画どおり に仕事が進んでいます。
    (Keikaku dōri ni shigoto ga susunde imasu.)
    ➡️ The work is progressing as planned.
12. 道のとおり に歩けば、駅に着きます。
    (Michi no tōri ni arukeba, eki ni tsukimasu.)
    ➡️ If you walk along the road, you will reach the station.
13. 私が 思ったとおり の結果でした。
    (Watashi ga omotta tōri no kekka deshita.)
    ➡️ The result was just as I thought.
14. 私が 想像したとおり の素晴らしい景色でした。
    (Watashi ga sōzō shita tōri no subarashii keshiki deshita.)
    ➡️ It was a magnificent view, just as I had imagined.
15. 彼の話は 聞いたとおり に正しかった。
    (Kare no hanashi wa kiita tōri ni tadashikatta.)
    ➡️ His story was correct just as I had heard.
16. マニュアルのとおり にソフトをインストールしてください。
    (Manyuaru no tōri ni sofuto o insutōru shite kudasai.)
    ➡️ Please install the software according to the manual.
17. スケジュールのとおり に会議を進めます。
    (Sukejūru no tōri ni kaigi o susumemasu.)
    ➡️ We will proceed with the meeting according to the schedule.
18. 先生が 言ったとおり にやれば、大丈夫です。
    (Sensei ga itta tōri ni yareba, daijōbu desu.)
    ➡️ If you do it as the teacher said, it will be fine.
19. 映画は 期待したとおり に面白かったです。
    (Eiga wa kitai shita tōri ni omoshirokatta desu.)
    ➡️ The movie was as interesting as I expected.
20. 噂どおり 、そのレストランの料理は美味しかった。
    (Uwasa dōri, sono resutoran no ryōri wa oishikatta.)
    ➡️ As the rumors said, the food at that restaurant was delicious.

This exercise helps reinforce 「〜とおり」 usage with different types of words.

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Summary of 「〜とおり」

Here’s a quick recap of the key points covered in this blog:

• Meaning & Usage:
  • 「〜とおり」 is used to express “as, just as, according to” in Japanese.
  • It conveys that something happens exactly as expected, planned, or instructed.
• Common Sentence Structures:
  • Verb (Dictionary/Past form) + とおり → As (someone) does/did
  • Noun + のとおり → According to (noun)
  • Noun + どおり → As (noun) states/shows
  • Adjective (な/い) + とおり → Just as (adjective) describes
• Situations Where 「〜とおり」 is Used:
  • Following instructions (マニュアルのとおりに設定する – Set it up as per the manual.)
  • Predictions coming true (予想したとおり、試験は難しかった – As expected, the test was difficult.)
  • Following someone’s words (先生が言ったとおりにする – Do as the teacher said.)
  • Describing something as imagined (想像したとおりの景色 – A view just as imagined.)
• Key Considerations:
  • 「〜とおり」 can be used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives, but the structure changes slightly.
  • Noun + のとおり and Noun + どおり are interchangeable in many cases, but どおり is more commonly used with set phrases.
  • Verb + とおり requires proper conjugation, especially for past and dictionary forms.
  • Be mindful of the context – it should indicate similarity, accuracy, or following a reference.
  • By mastering 「〜とおり」, you can express instructions, expectations, and confirmations naturally in Japanese. Keep practicing, and soon, using this grammar pattern will feel effortless!

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Mastering 「〜とおり」 is essential for expressing actions, expectations, and results accurately in Japanese. Whether you’re following instructions, describing events as predicted, or comparing reality with expectations, this grammar structure allows you to communicate with clarity and precision.

By understanding its different forms—when used with verbs, nouns, and adjectives—you can naturally incorporate it into daily conversations and written Japanese. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to use 「〜とおり」 effortlessly, just like native speakers do.

So, keep practicing with real-life examples, listen to how native speakers use it, and don’t hesitate to try it in your own sentences. With time and effort, you’ll be able to use 「〜とおり」 just as fluently as you imagined! 🚀🔥

If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

Happy learning!

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