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B1 phrase #2,500 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

〜次第

At the CEFR A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Japanese language, focusing on basic survival phrases, simple vocabulary, and fundamental sentence structures like 'A is B' or basic verb conjugations. The grammar point 〜次第 (shidai) is far beyond the productive capacity of an A1 learner, as it requires an understanding of verb stems, noun modification, and conditional logic. However, it is highly likely that an A1 learner living in or visiting Japan will encounter this word passively, primarily as a set sound or a memorized chunk in public spaces. For instance, when riding the train in Tokyo, an A1 learner might repeatedly hear the announcement, '到着次第...' (touchaku shidai). While they cannot parse the grammar, they can be taught to recognize 'shidai' as a signal word meaning 'soon' or 'next' in these specific contexts. Teachers at this level should not attempt to explain the V-masu connection or the kanji etymology, as it would cause unnecessary cognitive overload. Instead, if a student asks about it, the most effective pedagogical approach is to treat it as a fixed vocabulary item. You might teach them the single phrase '分かり次第' (wakari shidai) as a polite way to say 'I'll let you know when I know,' treating it almost like a greeting or a set expression. At this stage, the goal is purely auditory recognition and associating the sound 'shidai' with the concept of waiting for an immediate future action. The 'depending on' usage (Noun + shidai) should be entirely avoided at this level, as A1 learners are still mastering basic particles like 'wa', 'ga', and 'o', and introducing particle-less noun connections that dictate sentence outcomes would be confusing. In summary, for A1, 〜次第 is a passive, environmental vocabulary word, a piece of the ambient linguistic landscape of Japan that hints at the more complex, formal structures they will encounter much later in their studies.
As learners progress to the CEFR A2 level, they have a firmer grasp of basic verb conjugations, including the te-form, dictionary form, and the masu-form. They can express simple sequences of events using '〜てから' (te kara, after doing) or '〜の時' (no toki, when). At this stage, 〜次第 (shidai) is still considered an advanced grammar point, but learners are now cognitively equipped to understand its basic mechanics if introduced gently. An A2 learner might start noticing that 'shidai' attaches to the 'masu' stem of verbs they already know. For example, they know '終わります' (owarimasu, to finish), and they might hear '終わり次第' (owari shidai). A teacher can introduce this as a more formal, 'grown-up' version of '終わってから' (owatte kara). The focus should remain strictly on the 'as soon as' meaning, as it maps relatively easily onto their existing understanding of chronological sequences. They can be taught to use it in very simple, controlled sentences, such as '家に着き次第、電話します' (I will call as soon as I get home). However, it is crucial at this level to strictly enforce the rule that the sentence must end in a future action (〜ます), as A2 learners are prone to mixing tenses. The 'depending on' usage (Noun + shidai) can also be introduced as a fun, expressive tool. Since A2 learners know basic nouns like '天気' (tenki, weather) or 'お金' (okane, money), teaching them '天気次第です' (It depends on the weather) gives them a powerful, native-sounding phrase that requires very little grammatical manipulation. It empowers them to express conditionality without needing complex 'if/then' grammar like '〜たら' or '〜ば'. At the A2 level, 〜次第 transitions from ambient noise to a recognizable, occasionally usable tool for simple, polite communication.
The CEFR B1 level is the true home of 〜次第 (shidai). At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to handle a variety of everyday situations, express abstract thoughts, and begin navigating semi-formal and professional environments. Mastery of 〜次第 in both its 'as soon as' and 'depending on' forms is a critical milestone for B1 learners, often corresponding with the JLPT N3 curriculum. At this level, learners must move beyond treating it as a set phrase and fully internalize its structural rules. They must confidently attach it to the V-masu stem and understand the strict non-past constraint of the main clause. They should be able to actively produce sentences like 'スケジュールが決まり次第、ご連絡いたします' (I will contact you as soon as the schedule is decided) in written emails or formal speech. Furthermore, B1 learners must grasp the nuance that differentiates 次第 from simpler temporal conjunctions like '〜たら' (tara) or '〜と' (to). They need to understand the 'promise of immediate action' inherent in the word. For the 'depending on' usage, B1 learners should comfortably use Noun + 次第, and importantly, they must learn to use it with the particle 'で' to modify a sentence: '明日の天気次第で、ピクニックに行きます' (Depending on tomorrow's weather, we will go on a picnic). They should also be introduced to the contrastive 'では' (shidai de wa) for specific outcomes. At this stage, teachers should actively correct any past-tense errors or particle mistakes (like '天気の次第'). The third usage, 'circumstances' (〜という次第です), can be introduced passively; B1 learners should recognize it when reading formal notices or listening to the news, but they are not expected to produce it actively. Overall, B1 is where 〜次第 becomes an active, essential part of the learner's grammatical toolkit, enabling them to sound significantly more mature and precise.
At the CEFR B2 level, learners are highly independent and can navigate complex, professional, and abstract topics with fluency. For a B2 learner, 〜次第 (shidai) is no longer a new grammar point to be learned, but a tool to be perfected and deployed with pragmatic precision, particularly in Business Japanese contexts. B2 learners are often preparing for the JLPT N2 or the BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test), where keigo (honorifics) and formal correspondence are paramount. In this environment, the 'as soon as' usage of 次第 is absolutely indispensable. B2 learners must seamlessly combine it with humble and respectful language. They should effortlessly produce sentences like '担当者が戻り次第、折り返しご連絡申し上げます' (As soon as the person in charge returns, I will humbly have them contact you). They must also master its use with two-kanji suru-verbs, knowing to drop the 'shi' for a more professional tone: '確認次第' (kakunin shidai) instead of '確認し次第'. Regarding the 'depending on' usage, B2 learners should use it to articulate complex conditions in discussions, debates, or essays. They should be able to contrast it accurately with '〜によって' (ni yotte), knowing exactly when to express 'dependency/outcome' versus 'variety/difference'. At this level, the third usage, 'circumstances' (〜という次第です), moves from passive recognition to active production. B2 learners should be able to write a formal email explaining a delay or an issue, concluding gracefully with '...という次第でございます' to summarize the situation professionally. The focus at B2 is on register: knowing that while '次第' is grammatically correct in casual speech, it sounds stiff, and knowing exactly when to deploy it to maximize politeness and professional reliability. It becomes a marker of a sophisticated, culturally aware speaker.
At the CEFR C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-native command of the language, capable of understanding a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognizing implicit meaning. For a C1 learner, the basic mechanics of 〜次第 (shidai) are completely internalized. The focus shifts to highly nuanced, idiomatic, and abstract applications of the word. C1 learners encounter and use 次第 in complex literary, academic, and journalistic contexts. They are comfortable with abstract noun connections, such as '心の持ち方次第' (kokoro no mochikata shidai, depending on one's mindset) or '解釈次第' (kaishaku shidai, depending on the interpretation), using them to construct sophisticated arguments. They also understand how to use the phrase to express a sense of inevitability or natural progression, tapping into the deeper etymological roots of the word ('order of things'). At this level, learners are exposed to idiomatic extensions of the word, such as the adverbial form '次第に' (shidai ni), which means 'gradually' or 'step by step' (e.g., '空が次第に暗くなった' - The sky gradually darkened). While grammatically distinct from the B1 usages, understanding the semantic link—that a sequence of events leads to a gradual change—demonstrates C1-level linguistic insight. Furthermore, C1 learners can manipulate the 'circumstances' usage (〜次第です) not just in standard business apologies, but in delicate diplomatic or highly sensitive interpersonal communications, where laying out the 'order of events' is crucial for saving face or navigating conflict. They can also comprehend classical or archaic remnants of the word in literature. At C1, 〜次第 is a multifaceted gem; the learner knows every angle, every reflection, and exactly how to position it to achieve the precise rhetorical effect desired.
At the CEFR C2 level, the learner's proficiency is virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. For a C2 learner, 〜次第 (shidai) is utilized with absolute intuitive mastery. They do not think about rules; they feel the weight, tone, and historical resonance of the word. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, learners can play with the structural expectations of the word for rhetorical effect. They are fully conversant in highly specialized or archaic idioms containing the word, such as '手当たり次第' (teatari shidai, at random / whatever one can lay one's hands on) or '片っ端から次第に' (katappashi kara shidai ni). They understand the subtle psychological implications when a politician uses '〜という次第であります' in a press conference—recognizing it as a distancing technique to make an outcome sound like an inevitable sequence of events rather than a personal failure. C2 learners can write elegant, formal prose, seamlessly integrating '次第' to balance rhythm and politeness. They can also instantly code-switch, dropping '次第' entirely in casual settings in favor of colloquial equivalents, demonstrating complete pragmatic control. They understand the etymological journey of the kanji '次' and '第' and how this history informs its modern usage. At the C2 level, the learner doesn't just use 〜次第 correctly; they use it beautifully, leveraging its full spectrum of meaning—from the urgency of 'as soon as', to the philosophical weight of 'depending on', to the formal grace of 'circumstances'—to articulate the most complex and subtle human experiences.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

〜次第 en 30 secondes

  • Verb Stem + 次第 = As soon as
  • Noun + 次第 = Depending on
  • Always use future tense after 'as soon as'
  • Highly formal and common in business
The Japanese phrase 〜次第 (shidai) is a highly versatile and essential grammatical construct that learners typically encounter as they transition into the intermediate stages of their language acquisition journey, specifically around the CEFR B1 level or the JLPT N3 level. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this expression requires a deep dive into both its structural mechanics and its semantic evolution. At its core, the word 次第 is composed of two kanji: 次 (tsugi), which means next or order, and 第 (dai), which is a prefix used for forming ordinal numbers or indicating a degree, rank, or sequence. When these two characters are combined, they originally referred to the sequential order of things, the progression of events, or the specific circumstances and reasons that led to a particular situation. Over time, this foundational meaning of sequence and circumstance branched out into three distinct but logically connected grammatical usages that are prevalent in modern Japanese.

到着次第、ご連絡します。

The first and perhaps most common usage for intermediate learners is as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'immediately upon'. In this context, 〜次第 is attached directly to the stem of a verb (the masu-stem, or ren'youkei). It conveys a strong sense of immediate sequence, implying that the very moment action A is completed, action B will be initiated. This is not just a casual 'when' or 'after'; it carries a nuance of readiness, expectation, and often, a professional or formal commitment.
Verb Stem Connection
Attach to the Masu-stem to mean 'as soon as'.
For instance, in a business setting, a customer service representative might say, '分かり次第、ご連絡いたします' (Wakari shidai, gorenraku itashimasu), which translates to 'I will contact you as soon as I find out.' The use of 次第 here reassures the listener that there will be no unnecessary delay between the discovery of the information and the subsequent communication. It is a promise of prompt action, making it an indispensable tool in formal communication, emails, and customer relations.

天気次第で中止になります。

The second major usage of 〜次第 translates to 'depending on' or 'contingent upon'. In this structural pattern, the phrase is attached directly to a noun. It expresses the idea that the outcome, decision, or state of affairs is entirely reliant on the variable represented by the noun. This usage highlights the conditional nature of a situation. For example, '天気次第です' (Tenki shidai desu) means 'It depends on the weather.'
Noun Connection
Attach directly to a noun to mean 'depending on'.
This encapsulates the idea that the weather is the deciding factor; if the weather is good, one outcome will occur, and if it is bad, another will follow. This usage is incredibly common in both daily conversation and formal discourse, as it provides a concise way to articulate dependency and conditionality.

努力次第で夢は叶う。

Furthermore, it can be expanded into phrases like 〜次第で (shidai de) or 〜次第では (shidai de wa) to introduce a specific consequence that hinges on the preceding noun. For instance, '努力次第で、夢は叶う' (Doryoku shidai de, yume wa kanau) means 'Depending on your effort, your dreams can come true.' The third usage retains the original noun meaning of 'circumstances', 'reasons', or 'the state of things'.

このような次第でございます。

In this form, it is often used at the end of a sentence to explain the background or the 'how and why' of a situation, frequently appearing as 〜という次第です (to iu shidai desu). This is highly formal and is mostly reserved for business reports, official explanations, or formal apologies, where the speaker is laying out the sequence of events that led to the current predicament.
Formal Circumstance
Used at the end of a sentence to explain the 'why' formally.
Understanding these three pillars of 〜次第—immediate sequence, dependency, and circumstance—is crucial for any learner aiming for fluency, as it bridges the gap between simple, chronological storytelling and complex, conditional, and formal articulation.

結果次第で方針を変える。

Mastery of this phrase not only enhances one's ability to comprehend business Japanese and news broadcasts but also significantly elevates the sophistication of one's own spoken and written output, allowing for precise and professional communication across a wide variety of contexts.
Mastering the usage of 〜次第 (shidai) requires a precise understanding of Japanese conjugation rules and syntactic structures, as the grammatical connection directly dictates the meaning of the phrase. The structural application of this grammar point is rigid, meaning that learners must memorize the specific forms that precede it to avoid critical communication errors. Let us first examine the structural requirements for the 'as soon as' or 'immediately upon' meaning.

準備ができ次第、出発します。

To express that one action will happen immediately after another, 〜次第 must be attached to the V-masu stem (連用形, ren'youkei) of a verb. The V-masu stem is formed by taking the polite 'masu' form of a verb and dropping the 'masu'. For example, the verb 'to understand' is 分かります (wakarimasu). Dropping 'masu' leaves us with 'wakari'. By attaching 次第, we get 分かり次第 (wakari shidai), meaning 'as soon as I understand' or 'as soon as it is known'.
Group 1 Verbs
Drop 'masu' (e.g., 行く -> 行き -> 行き次第).
Similarly, for a Group 2 verb like 食べる (taberu, to eat), the masu form is 食べます (tabemasu), and the stem is 食べ (tabe). Thus, 食べ次第 (tabe shidai) means 'as soon as I eat'. For the irregular verb する (suru, to do), the stem is し (shi), resulting in し次第 (shi shidai). When using suru-verbs, especially two-kanji compound nouns (jukugo) like 確認 (kakunin, confirmation) or 連絡 (renraku, contact), it is extremely common to drop the 'shi' entirely and attach 次第 directly to the noun, resulting in 確認次第 (kakunin shidai, as soon as it is confirmed) instead of 確認し次第. This creates a highly professional and concise tone.

スケジュールが決まり次第、教えます。

A critical grammatical rule to remember here is that the clause following V-masu + 次第 must express a future action, an intention, a request, or a command. It cannot be used to describe an event that has already happened in the past. You cannot say '到着次第、電話した' (As soon as I arrived, I called). For past events, you must use other grammar points like 〜たら (tara) or 〜とすぐに (to sugu ni).
Future Constraint
The main clause must always be in the non-past tense.
Now, let us transition to the second primary usage: 'depending on'. For this meaning, the structural rule is entirely different. 〜次第 is attached directly to a Noun.

明日の天気次第で決めましょう。

There is no particle between the noun and 次第. For example, Noun + 次第: 成績次第 (seiseki shidai, depending on grades), 気分次第 (kibun shidai, depending on one's mood), or やり方次第 (yarikata shidai, depending on how you do it). When this noun compound acts as the predicate of the sentence, it is followed by the copula です (desu) or だ (da), as in '合格するかどうかは、あなたの努力次第です' (Whether you pass or not depends on your effort). If the phrase is used as an adverbial clause to modify the rest of the sentence, it takes the particle で (de), becoming 〜次第で (shidai de). For example, '値段次第で、買います' (Depending on the price, I will buy it).

あなたの考え方次第です。

If you want to emphasize a specific hypothetical outcome based on that dependency, you use 〜次第では (shidai de wa). For example, '検査の結果次第では、手術が必要です' (Depending on the results of the examination, surgery may be necessary).
Particle Nuance
Use 'で' for general dependency, and 'では' to highlight one specific potential outcome.
Finally, the third usage, meaning 'circumstances' or 'the reason why', functions grammatically as a formal noun. It is usually preceded by a verb in the plain form (dictionary form, past tense, etc.) modifying it like a relative clause.

以上のような次第です。

The most common pattern is [Explanation of events] + という次第です (to iu shidai desu) or the more humble という次第でございます (to iu shidai de gozaimasu). This structure is a formal wrapper used to conclude a detailed explanation of a situation, effectively meaning '...and that is the situation' or '...and those are the circumstances.' By strictly adhering to these structural rules—V-masu for 'as soon as', Noun for 'depending on', and Plain Form + という for 'circumstances'—learners can accurately deploy this sophisticated vocabulary across a multitude of contexts without ambiguity.
The expression 〜次第 (shidai) is deeply embedded in the fabric of Japanese society, particularly in environments that demand politeness, clarity, and professional accountability. While it is certainly understood and occasionally used in casual conversation, its true home is in the realms of business Japanese (BJT), formal announcements, news broadcasting, and customer service (keigo contexts). Understanding where and how this phrase is deployed provides crucial cultural context for learners aiming to navigate Japanese professional and public life.

詳細が決定次第、お知らせいたします。

First and foremost, the 'as soon as' usage (V-masu + 次第) is the absolute gold standard in Japanese business emails and corporate communication. In a culture that highly values punctuality, responsiveness, and keeping all stakeholders informed (the concept of Ho-Ren-So: Report, Contact, Consult), promising immediate action is a daily necessity.
Business Emails
Ubiquitous in corporate correspondence to promise prompt follow-up.
You will constantly read phrases like '担当者が戻り次第、折り返しお電話させます' (As soon as the person in charge returns, I will have them call you back) or '書類が完成し次第、添付にてお送りします' (As soon as the documents are completed, I will send them as an attachment). In these contexts, using simpler grammar like 〜たら (tara) or 〜てから (te kara) sounds too casual and lacks the professional urgency and commitment conveyed by 次第. Beyond the office, this usage is heavily featured in public transportation announcements and public service broadcasts. If a train is delayed due to an accident, the station announcer will likely say, '運転を再開し次第、ご案内いたします' (We will inform you as soon as operations resume).

安全が確認され次第、運行を再開します。

The second usage, 'depending on' (Noun + 次第), is much more flexible in its register and can be heard in both formal and informal settings. In everyday life, friends might discuss weekend plans and say, '明日行くかどうかは、天気次第だね' (Whether we go tomorrow or not depends on the weather, doesn't it?).
Everyday Conversation
Commonly used with nouns like weather, mood, or money to express conditions.
However, it also scales up perfectly to formal situations. A doctor might explain a prognosis by saying, '検査結果次第では、入院が必要です' (Depending on the test results, hospitalization may be necessary). In political or economic news, reporters frequently use it to describe contingent situations: '今後の景気動向次第で、日銀は追加緩和を決定する' (Depending on future economic trends, the Bank of Japan will decide on additional easing).

交渉の進展次第で合意に至るだろう。

The phrase elegantly captures the conditional nature of complex situations, making it a favorite among journalists and analysts. The third usage, indicating 'circumstances' or 'reasons' (〜という次第です), is the most restricted in terms of where you will hear it. It belongs almost exclusively to highly formal spoken Japanese, written reports, and formal apologies. If a company makes a mistake and the representative must visit a client to apologize, they will explain the sequence of errors and conclude with, '...という次第で、多大なるご迷惑をおかけしました' (...and due to these circumstances, we have caused you a great deal of trouble).

やむを得ず中止した次第です。

You will also see it in formal letters or greeting cards, where the sender explains the reason for writing: 'ご挨拶に伺いたく、筆をとった次第です' (I took up my pen because I wanted to send you my greetings).
Formal Letters
Used to gracefully state the purpose of a written correspondence.
In summary, while 〜次第 is a single vocabulary item, its various forms act as linguistic keys that unlock different tiers of Japanese society, from the casual dependency of weekend plans to the rigorous commitments of corporate communication and the solemn explanations of formal apologies. Recognizing the context in which each form is used is vital for mastering the pragmatic application of the Japanese language.
Despite its clear rules, 〜次第 (shidai) is a frequent source of errors for intermediate Japanese learners. These mistakes usually stem from negative transfer from the learner's native language, confusion with similar Japanese grammar points, or a misunderstanding of the strict structural and temporal constraints associated with the phrase. By analyzing these common pitfalls, learners can refine their usage and avoid sounding unnatural or grammatically incorrect.

❌ 家に着き次第、寝ました。

The most prevalent and glaring mistake occurs with the 'as soon as' usage (V-masu + 次第). As established, this structure demands that the subsequent clause expresses a future action, intention, or request. A classic learner mistake is attempting to use it to describe a sequence of events that occurred in the past. For example, a learner trying to say 'As soon as I got home, I went to sleep' might incorrectly say '家に着き次第、寝ました' (Ie ni tsuki shidai, nemashita).
The Past Tense Trap
Never use V-masu + 次第 with a past tense main clause.
This is fundamentally incorrect because 次第 in this context inherently carries a forward-looking, anticipatory nuance. It is a promise or a plan, not a historical recount. To express 'as soon as' in the past, learners must use alternative grammar such as 〜とすぐに (to sugu ni), 〜やいなや (ya ina ya), or 〜た途端 (ta totan). The correct phrasing for the past event would be '家に着くとすぐに寝ました'. Another frequent structural error involves incorrect conjugation before 次第. Because many intermediate grammar points attach to the dictionary form or the te-form of a verb, learners often mistakenly say '着く次第' (tsuku shidai - dictionary form) or '着いて次第' (tsuite shidai - te-form) instead of the correct V-masu stem '着き次第' (tsuki shidai).

❌ 終わる次第、連絡します。

This mistake immediately flags the speaker as a non-native, as the V-masu connection is a rigid, unbreakable rule for this specific meaning.
Conjugation Errors
Always double-check that you have dropped the 'masu' before adding shidai.
Moving to the 'depending on' usage (Noun + 次第), a common error is the unnecessary insertion of the particle の (no) between the noun and 次第. Because learners are taught early on that nouns are connected by 'no', they intuitively generate phrases like '天気の話次第' (tenki no shidai) instead of the correct '天気次第' (tenki shidai).

❌ 明日の天気の次第です。

While '次第' itself is historically a noun, in this specific grammatical pattern, it functions as a suffix that attaches directly to the preceding noun without any intermediary particles. Another subtle but important mistake in the 'depending on' context is confusing the particles that follow the phrase: で (de) versus では (de wa). While '値段次第で買います' (Depending on the price, I will buy it) is correct, learners sometimes misuse 'では' when they don't intend to highlight a specific, contrasting outcome. 'では' implies 'In the case of [X], then [Y] might happen (but in other cases, maybe not)'. Overusing 'では' can make a simple dependency sound overly dramatic or restrictive.

❌ 頑張り次第で、失敗する。

Lastly, a semantic mistake occurs when learners use 'Noun + 次第' with a negative or undesirable outcome in a way that sounds unnatural. Usually, 'depending on X' implies that a *good* outcome is possible if X is favorable. Saying '努力次第で、失敗する' (Depending on your effort, you will fail) sounds strange. It is better to say '努力次第で、成功も失敗もあり得る' (Depending on your effort, both success and failure are possible).
Semantic Nuance
Ensure the outcome logically aligns with the variable being depended upon.
By being mindful of the non-past constraint, the strict V-masu and direct-Noun connections, and the subtle nuances of particles, learners can confidently and accurately integrate 〜次第 into their active Japanese repertoire.
To truly master 〜次第 (shidai), it is highly beneficial to compare and contrast it with other Japanese grammar points that share similar meanings. The Japanese language is incredibly rich in expressions for temporal sequence ('as soon as') and conditionality ('depending on'), and choosing the right one depends heavily on formality, nuance, and grammatical constraints. Let us first explore the synonyms for the 'as soon as' usage.

到着するとすぐに電話した。

The most common equivalent taught to beginners is 〜とすぐに (to sugu ni). While both mean 'as soon as', 〜とすぐに is much more versatile temporally; it can be used for both past and future events. You can say '家に着くとすぐに寝た' (As soon as I got home, I slept), which is impossible with 次第. However, 〜とすぐに is less formal and lacks the professional 'promise of action' that 次第 carries in business contexts.
〜とすぐに (to sugu ni)
More casual, works with past tense, focuses on objective time.
Another advanced temporal synonym is 〜やいなや (ya ina ya). This is a highly literary and formal expression meaning 'no sooner had... than...'. It emphasizes an almost instantaneous reaction, often an unexpected one, and is frequently used with past tense narratives, unlike 次第. For example, '彼は部屋に入るやいなや、大声で叫んだ' (No sooner had he entered the room than he shouted loudly). Similarly, 〜が早いか (ga hayai ka) and 〜そばから (soba kara) express immediate sequence but carry specific nuances—the former implies a rapid, almost simultaneous physical action, while the latter implies a frustrating repetition (e.g., 'As soon as I clean it, it gets dirty again'). None of these carry the forward-looking, cooperative business nuance of V-masu + 次第.

経験によって給料が違う。

Shifting to the 'depending on' usage, the most prominent similar word is 〜によって (ni yotte). While both Noun + 次第 and Noun + によって can be translated as 'depending on', there is a distinct difference in usage. 〜によって is generally used to state an objective fact that a situation varies or differs based on a certain factor.
〜によって (ni yotte)
Focuses on variety and difference (A differs based on B).
For example, '人によって考え方が違う' (Ways of thinking differ depending on the person). In contrast, 〜次第 implies that the *outcome* or *decision* is actively controlled by or contingent upon the noun. 'あなたの決断次第です' (It depends entirely on your decision). 次第 places the weight of the outcome on the variable, whereas によって merely points out that variation exists. Another related phrase is 〜に応じて (ni oujite), which translates to 'in accordance with' or 'in proportion to'.

収入に応じて税金を払う。

This is used when an action is adapted or adjusted to match a changing variable. For example, '年齢に応じてクラスを分ける' (Divide classes in accordance with age). While similar to 'depending on', に応じて focuses on a proportional or appropriate response to a condition, rather than the condition being the absolute deciding factor for a single outcome like 次第.
〜に応じて (ni oujite)
Focuses on adapting or adjusting proportionally to a variable.
Finally, for the 'circumstances' usage (〜という次第です), similar expressions include 〜というわけです (to iu wake desu) or 〜ということです (to iu koto desu). Both are used to explain reasons or draw conclusions. However, 〜という次第です is significantly more formal and stiff, typically reserved for official business apologies or highly formal written correspondence, whereas 'わけです' is common in everyday logical explanations.

こういうわけで遅刻しました。

By understanding these subtle boundaries—between the objective variety of によって, the proportional adaptation of に応じて, the past-tense capability of とすぐに, and the strict, formal conditionality of 次第—learners can achieve a near-native level of precision in their Japanese expression.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

わかり次第、いいます。

I will tell you as soon as I know.

Taught as a set phrase. 'Wakari' + shidai.

2

つき次第、メールします。

I will email you as soon as I arrive.

Tsuki (arrive) + shidai.

3

おわり次第、いきます。

I will go as soon as it finishes.

Owari (finish) + shidai.

4

天気次第です。

It depends on the weather.

Noun (Tenki) + shidai desu.

5

あなた次第です。

It is up to you.

Pronoun (Anata) + shidai desu.

6

でき次第、みせます。

I will show you as soon as it is done.

Deki (can do/finish) + shidai.

7

お金次第です。

It depends on the money.

Noun (Okane) + shidai desu.

8

きまり次第、れんらくします。

I will contact you as soon as it is decided.

Kimari (decided) + shidai.

1

雨がやみ次第、出発しましょう。

Let's depart as soon as the rain stops.

Yami (stop raining) + shidai + volition (mashou).

2

テストの結果次第で、クラスが変わります。

Depending on the test results, your class will change.

Noun + shidai de (particle indicating condition).

3

準備ができ次第、始めます。

We will start as soon as preparations are complete.

Deki (ready) + shidai.

4

明日行くかどうかは、気分次第です。

Whether I go tomorrow or not depends on my mood.

Kibun (mood) + shidai desu.

5

部屋が片付き次第、友達を呼びます。

I will invite my friends over as soon as the room is tidied up.

Katatsuki (tidied) + shidai.

6

仕事が終わり次第、飲みに行きませんか。

Shall we go drinking as soon as work finishes?

Owari + shidai + invitation (masen ka).

7

値段次第で、買うかもしれません。

Depending on the price, I might buy it.

Nedan (price) + shidai de.

8

先生が来次第、授業を始めます。

We will start the class as soon as the teacher comes.

Ki (come - irregular stem) + shidai.

1

詳細が決定次第、メールでご連絡いたします。

As soon as the details are decided, I will contact you by email.

Noun (Kettei) + shidai (dropping 'shi' for suru-verbs).

2

このプロジェクトが成功するかどうかは、皆さんの努力次第です。

Whether this project succeeds or not depends on everyone's effort.

Doryoku (effort) + shidai desu.

3

在庫が確認でき次第、発送の手配をいたします。

As soon as we can confirm the inventory, we will arrange for shipping.

Deki (can do) + shidai in a business context.

4

明日の試合は、天候次第では中止になる可能性があります。

Depending on the weather, there is a possibility that tomorrow's game will be canceled.

Tenkou + shidai de wa (highlighting a specific outcome).

5

駅に着き次第、迎えに行くから電話してね。

Call me as soon as you arrive at the station, because I will go pick you up.

Tsuki + shidai in a casual but firm request.

6

やり方次第で、もっと早く終わるはずだ。

Depending on how you do it, it should finish much faster.

Yarikata (way of doing) + shidai de.

7

新しい情報が入り次第、すぐにお知らせします。

As soon as new information comes in, I will let you know immediately.

Hairi (enter/come in) + shidai.

8

考え方次第で、ピンチもチャンスに変わる。

Depending on your way of thinking, even a crisis can turn into an opportunity.

Kangaekata (way of thinking) + shidai de.

1

担当者が戻り次第、折り返しお電話させます。

As soon as the person in charge returns, I will have them call you back.

Modori + shidai combined with causative-humble keigo.

2

今後の業績次第では、ボーナスのカットもあり得る。

Depending on future business performance, a bonus cut is also possible.

Gyouseki (performance) + shidai de wa.

3

安全が確認され次第、速やかに運転を再開いたします。

As soon as safety is confirmed, we will promptly resume operation.

Passive verb stem (sare) + shidai.

4

採用するかどうかは、面接での印象次第というところですね。

Whether we hire them or not pretty much depends on the impression during the interview.

Inshou (impression) + shidai + to iu tokoro desu (softening).

5

ビザが発行され次第、すぐに出張の準備に取り掛かります。

As soon as the visa is issued, I will immediately start preparing for the business trip.

Hakkou sare (issued) + shidai.

6

以上のような次第で、今回の企画は見送らせていただきます。

Due to the circumstances outlined above, we will pass on this project.

Ijou no you na + shidai de (circumstances usage).

7

交渉の進展次第で、契約内容を見直す必要がある。

Depending on the progress of the negotiations, it is necessary to review the contract details.

Shinten (progress) + shidai de.

8

システムが復旧し次第、全社員に通知してください。

Please notify all employees as soon as the system is restored.

Fukkyuu shi (restore) + shidai.

1

事と次第によっては、法的措置も辞さない構えだ。

Depending on the circumstances, we are prepared to take legal action.

Idiomatic phrase: Koto to shidai ni yotte wa (depending on how things go).

2

人生の幸不幸は、心の持ち方次第である。

Happiness and unhappiness in life depend on one's mindset.

Kokoro no mochikata (mindset) + shidai de aru (formal copula).

3

やむを得ぬ事情があり、このような結果となった次第です。

There were unavoidable circumstances, and that is why it resulted in this outcome.

Natta (plain past) + shidai desu (circumstances explanation).

4

両国の関係改善は、トップの政治的決断次第と言える。

It can be said that the improvement of relations between the two countries depends on the political decisions of their leaders.

Ketsudan (decision) + shidai to ieru.

5

資金の調達がつき次第、直ちに新事業を立ち上げる所存です。

As soon as the funding is secured, it is our intention to launch the new business immediately.

Tsuki (secured/attached) + shidai + shozon desu (humble intention).

6

病状の推移次第では、予断を許さない状況になる。

Depending on the progression of the symptoms, the situation may become unpredictable.

Suii (progression/transition) + shidai de wa.

7

ご多忙中とは存じますが、ご挨拶に伺いたく筆をとった次第でございます。

I know you are busy, but I took up my pen because I wanted to visit you to pay my respects.

Totta (took) + shidai de gozaimasu (highly formal epistolary style).

8

市場の動向次第で、戦略の抜本的な見直しを迫られるだろう。

Depending on market trends, we will likely be forced to fundamentally review our strategy.

Doukou (trend) + shidai de.

1

手当たり次第に本を読み漁った時期があった。

There was a time when I devoured books, reading whatever I could get my hands on.

Idiom: Teatari shidai ni (at random / whatever one touches).

2

事の次第をありのままに上司に報告した。

I reported the exact sequence of events to my boss just as they happened.

Koto no shidai (the circumstances/sequence of events as a noun).

3

運命の浮沈は、時としてほんの些細な偶然次第で決まるものだ。

The vicissitudes of fate are sometimes determined by the most trivial of coincidences.

Guuzen (coincidence) + shidai de kimaru.

4

何卒ご賢察の上、ご高配を賜りたくお願い申し上げる次第です。

I humbly request that you consider the matter and grant us your kind support.

Moushiageru (humble state) + shidai desu (extreme formal request wrapper).

5

片っ端から次第に片付けていくしかない。

There is nothing to do but clear them away one by one from the edge.

Katappashi kara + shidai ni (gradually/in order).

6

彼の成功は、天賦の才もさることながら、血のにじむような修練次第であったと言えよう。

It can be said that his success depended not only on his innate talent but on his blood-sweating training.

Shuuren (training) + shidai de atta (past tense conditionality in literary style).

7

我が国の存亡は、国民一人一人の覚悟次第に懸かっている。

The survival of our nation hinges upon the resolve of each and every citizen.

Kakugo (resolve) + shidai ni kakatte iru (hinges upon).

8

経緯の次第は後ほど詳述するとして、まずは結論から申し上げます。

I will detail the circumstances later, but first, I will state the conclusion.

Keii no shidai (the sequence of details/circumstances).

Collocations courantes

分かり次第
到着次第
決まり次第
確認次第
天気次第
努力次第
結果次第
気分次第
事と次第
手当たり次第

Phrases Courantes

分かり次第、ご連絡します

到着次第、お電話ください

あなた次第です

天気次第で変わる

努力次第でどうにでもなる

そういう次第です

準備ができ次第

詳細が決定次第

在庫がなくなり次第終了

事の次第を説明する

Souvent confondu avec

〜次第 vs 〜次第に (shidai ni) - This means 'gradually', not 'as soon as'.

〜次第 vs 〜によって (ni yotte) - Focuses on variety, while 次第 focuses on conditionality.

〜次第 vs 〜たら (tara) - 'Tara' is a general 'if/when', while 'shidai' is an immediate 'as soon as'.

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

〜次第 vs

〜次第 vs

〜次第 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

particle warning

Do not put 'の' between a noun and 次第 for the 'depending on' meaning. '天気の次第' is incorrect.

past tense warning

The most critical rule: V-masu + 次第 CANNOT be followed by a past tense verb. '着き次第、寝た' is grammatically incorrect.

Erreurs courantes
  • 家に着き次第、寝ました。

    You cannot use V-masu + 次第 for past events. It must be followed by a future action.

  • 明日の天気の次第です。

    Do not use the particle 'の' between a noun and 次第 for the 'depending on' meaning.

  • 終わる次第、連絡します。

    You must use the V-masu stem (終わり), not the dictionary form (終わる).

  • 連絡して次第、行きます。

    Do not use the te-form (連絡して). Use the masu-stem (連絡し) or drop the 'shi' entirely (連絡次第).

  • 努力次第で、失敗する。

    Semantically, 'depending on effort' usually implies a positive outcome. Pairing it directly with 'fail' sounds unnatural.

Astuces

No Past Tense

Never follow V-masu + 次第 with a past tense verb. It is always used for future actions or requests.

Drop the 'Shi'

In business emails, drop the 'shi' from suru-verbs. Write '連絡次第' instead of '連絡し次第'.

De vs. De wa

Use '次第で' for general dependency. Use '次第では' when pointing out one specific, often serious, possibility.

Shidai ni = Gradually

Don't confuse '〜次第' (as soon as/depending on) with '次第に' (gradually). The 'ni' changes the meaning completely.

Casual Dependency

Feel free to use 'Noun + 次第' in casual speech (e.g., 気分次第). It sounds very natural and fluent.

Formal Closings

Use '〜という次第です' to gracefully close a formal written explanation or apology in business.

Direct Noun Connection

Do not use the particle 'の' before 次第 when it means 'depending on'. It is '努力次第', not '努力の次第'.

Teatari Shidai

Memorize the idiom '手当たり次第' (teatari shidai). It means doing something at random to whatever you can grab.

Shidai vs. Ni Yotte

Use 次第 when a condition dictates an outcome. Use によって when stating that things vary (e.g., people have different opinions).

Train Announcements

Listen for '運転を再開し次第' (unten o saikai shi shidai) when stuck on a delayed train in Japan.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

She dies (shidai) AS SOON AS she eats the poison, DEPENDING ON the dose.

Origine du mot

Middle Chinese

Contexte culturel

The proverb '地獄の沙汰も金次第' (Even judgments in hell depend on money) shows how deeply the 'depending on' usage is ingrained in cultural wisdom.

Using 次第 instead of たら in emails elevates your professional image significantly.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"週末の予定は決まりましたか？（天気次第ですね）"

"いつ結果が分かりますか？（分かり次第、教えます）"

"日本語が上手になるにはどうすればいいですか？（努力次第です）"

Sujets d'écriture

Write an email to a boss promising to send a report as soon as it's done.

Describe a situation in your life that depends entirely on money.

Explain a recent mistake using the formal '〜という次第です' structure.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you cannot use the 'as soon as' (V-masu + 次第) structure for past events. It must always be followed by a future action, intention, or request. If you want to say 'as soon as' for something that already happened, use 〜とすぐに (to sugu ni) or 〜た途端 (ta totan). For example, '家に着くとすぐに寝た' is correct, but '家に着き次第、寝た' is wrong. This is a very common mistake for learners.

Both can translate to 'depending on the weather', but the nuance is different. '天気次第' implies that the weather is the absolute deciding factor for a specific outcome (e.g., whether an event happens or is canceled). '天気によって' implies that things vary or differ based on the weather (e.g., the temperature differs depending on the weather). Use 次第 for conditions/decisions, and によって for variety.

Both are technically grammatically correct, as '確認する' is a suru-verb, and its stem is '確認し'. However, in business Japanese, it is much more common and sounds more professional to drop the 'し' and attach 次第 directly to the two-kanji noun. Therefore, '確認次第' (kakunin shidai) or '連絡次第' (renraku shidai) are the preferred forms in formal emails and speech.

When 'に' is added to make '次第に' (shidai ni), it becomes an adverb meaning 'gradually' or 'step by step'. For example, '空が次第に暗くなった' means 'The sky gradually darkened'. This is related to the etymology of the word (sequence/order), implying a step-by-step progression. It does NOT mean 'as soon as'.

The 'depending on' usage (Noun + 次第) is very common in casual conversation. You can easily say '明日行くかは気分次第だね' (Whether I go tomorrow depends on my mood) to a friend. However, the 'as soon as' usage (V-masu + 次第) sounds a bit stiff and formal for casual chats with friends; you would normally use '〜たら' (e.g., 終わったら行くね - I'll go when I finish).

For the 'as soon as' meaning, you must use the V-masu stem. This means you take the polite 'masu' form of the verb and drop the 'masu'. For example, 行きます (ikimasu) becomes 行き次第 (iki shidai). 食べます (tabemasu) becomes 食べ次第 (tabe shidai). Do not use the dictionary form or the te-form.

Both mean 'depending on', but 'では' (de wa) is used to highlight a specific, often extreme or contrasting, potential outcome. For example, '検査の結果次第で、薬を出します' (Depending on the results, I will prescribe medicine). But '検査の結果次第では、手術が必要です' (Depending on the results, surgery might be necessary [highlighting a serious possibility]).

This is a highly formal expression used to explain the circumstances or reasons that led to a current situation. It translates roughly to '...and those are the circumstances' or '...and that is why.' It is mostly used in formal business apologies, official reports, or formal letters to politely conclude an explanation of events.

Generally, no. For the 'depending on' meaning, you attach 次第 directly to the noun without any particles. '天気次第' (tenki shidai) is correct; '天気の次第' is incorrect. The only exception is the rare, highly formal noun usage '事の次第' (koto no shidai), which means 'the sequence of events'.

The grammar point 〜次第 is typically introduced in JLPT N3 materials, covering both the 'as soon as' and 'depending on' usages. However, its more formal applications, idiomatic uses, and the 'circumstances' meaning (〜という次第です) frequently appear in JLPT N2 and N1 reading and listening comprehension sections.

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