添う

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 添う, read そう, and it is a godan intransitive verb meaning to follow or conform to a standard, wish, or direction.
• Basic usage: 添う means to act or adjust something in a way that meets a person's wishes or remains aligned with an intended purpose.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Meeting wishes and revising in line with a purpose
  • The forms are 添う and 添って. With に, the word marks wishes or purpose as the standard and uses the abstract sense of conforming rather than physically staying beside something.
• A user-aligned proposal and exhibits matching a project aim
  • 利用者の希望に添う案を改めて考えた。 — We reconsidered a proposal that would meet the users' wishes.
  • 企画の趣旨に添って会場の展示を見直した。 — We revised the venue's exhibits to align with the purpose of the project.