従う

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 従う is read as したがう and is an intransitive verb meaning to follow an instruction or rule or to act according to one's convictions.
• Basic usage: An external direction appears in 指示に従う, while an internal standard appears in 信念に従う.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Standard marker に
  • The followed standard appears in 指示に従う, with に marking the instruction, rule, or conviction.
• Obedience and voluntary choice
  • It can mean obeying an order, but in a pattern such as 信念に従う it can also mean choosing according to one's own principles.