れる・られる + ままに
Do as (one is told or ordered…), In accordance with, In compliance with, Just like
Structure
Explanation
By combining the auxiliary verbs れる or られる with まま, a noun expressing a state of 'as is', and the case marking particle に, a new meaning of 'just as told' or 'according to orders' is formed. As a result, this grammar point is almost exclusively used with verbs that involve communication.
Because this grammar uses the passive form, its literal meaning is akin to 'to do (B) while in the state of having (A) done to oneself'. The action (B) immediately follows ままに and describes what was done in accordance with the initial instruction (A).
- 母に頼まれるままに、買い物に行きました。I went shopping just as my mother asked.
- 彼は監督に指示されるままに、セリフを言った。He recited his lines exactly as the director instructed.
- 医者に勧められるままに、この薬を飲み始めた。I started taking this medication just as the doctor recommended.
The conjunction particle が can be inserted between られる and ままに, although its use is uncommon in contemporary Japanese. While it can add a nuance of 'but', its main function is to highlight that action (B) was performed without any resistance or objection to action (A).
- 怪しいセールスマンに勧められるがままに、高価な商品を契約してしまった。I went along with what the suspicious salesman said and ended up signing a contract for an expensive product.
Caution
With this grammar pattern, the られる part of the phrase is never used in its past-tense form.
- 上司に命令されたままに書類を作成した。I prepared the documents as my boss ordered. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
友達に頼まれるままに、彼の引っ越しを手伝った。
I helped my friend move, just as he asked.
詐欺師に言われるまま、全財産を振り込んでしまった。
Following the scammer's instructions, I regrettably transferred all of my savings.
コーチに導かれるまま、チームは厳しい練習に耐えた。
The team endured the harsh training, following the coach's lead.
インストラクターに示されるままに、ヨガのポーズをとった。
I did the yoga poses exactly as the instructor demonstrated.
観客に促されるままに、彼はアンコールに応えた。
Urged on by the audience, he performed an encore.
上司に命令されるまま、休日出勤をすることになった。
I ended up having to work on my day off, just as my boss ordered.
医者に言われるままに、毎日この薬を飲んでいます。
I'm taking this medicine every day, just as the doctor told me to.
特に予定はなかったが、友人に誘われるままにパーティーに行った。
I didn't have any particular plans, so I just went along to the party when my friend invited me.
美容師さんにすすめられるまま、髪を短く切ってしまった。
I ended up getting my hair cut short, just as the hairdresser recommended.
レシピに書かれているままに作ったのに、なぜかケーキが膨らまなかった。
I followed the recipe exactly as it was written, but for some reason, the cake didn't rise.
祖母に決められるままに、興味のないお見合いを繰り返してきた。
I repeatedly went on matchmaking dates I had no interest in, just as my grandmother decided.
事故現場で、警察官に指示されるままに車を動かした。
At the scene of the accident, I moved my car as directed by the police officer.