- 沿岸 — coast / shoreline
 - 沿線 — along a railway line
 - 沿道 — roadside / along the route
 - 沿革 — history / development
 - 沿海 — coastal waters
 - 沿う — to follow / go along
 
More examples ▼
沿 combines the water radical 氵 with the phonetic 延 (エン), giving the sense “to extend along water.” By extension, it refers to following lines or edges — riversides, coastlines, or even abstract guidelines.
            川に 沿って 歩きました。
            I walked along the river.
          
            計画は 方針に 沿って 進めます。
            The plan will proceed in line with the policy.
          
