次第
This suffix means 'depending on the situation' or 'as soon as something happens'.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn about 次第 (shidai). It's like a little helper word in Japanese. Imagine you want to say 'When I finish my homework, I will play.' The part 'when I finish my homework' uses the idea of 次第. It means 'as soon as something is done'. Or, maybe you want to say 'The party plan depends on how many people come.' The part 'depends on how many people come' also uses the idea of 次第. It means 'it depends on the situation'. So, 次第 helps us connect two ideas: one thing happens after another, or one thing happens because of another. It's used in polite talk.
次第 (shidai) is a useful suffix in Japanese that adds meaning to sentences. It can mean 'as soon as' or 'immediately after' something else happens. For example, you can say 'Kaigi ga owari shidai, renraku shimasu.' (会議が終わり次第、連絡します), which means 'As soon as the meeting ends, I will contact you.' It shows that the second action (contacting) will happen right after the first action (meeting ends) is finished.
次第 can also mean 'depending on' or 'according to'. This shows that something will happen based on a certain situation or condition. For instance, 'Tenki no shidai de, en足 ga kaisai saremasu.' (天気の次第で、遠足が開催されます) means 'The excursion will be held depending on the weather.' Here, the excursion is conditional on the weather.
It's a more formal way to connect ideas, often used in business or polite conversation.
The suffix 次第 (shidai) is a key element in Japanese for expressing conditionality and immediacy. It's typically attached to the stem of a verb or to a noun. When used with a verb stem, it signifies that the main clause's action will commence immediately following the completion of the verb's action. For example, 'Shigoto ga owari shidai, kaerimasu.' (仕事が終わり次第、帰ります) translates to 'As soon as I finish work, I will go home.' This implies prompt action.
Alternatively, 次第 can follow a noun to indicate that the subsequent event is dependent on the circumstances represented by that noun. Consider the sentence 'Anata no go-yōken no shidai de, taiō ga kawarimasu.' (あなたのご用件の次第で、対応が変わります), meaning 'Our response will vary depending on the nature of your request.' This usage highlights contingency.
次第 is generally considered polite and is frequently used in formal settings like business communication and official announcements. Mastering its usage allows for more precise and sophisticated expression.
The Japanese suffix 次第 (shidai) offers a nuanced way to express the relationship between two events or states. Its core meanings revolve around 'depending on' (conditionality) and 'as soon as' (immediacy). Grammatically, it attaches to the conjunctive form (masu-stem) of verbs or directly to nouns.
When following a verb stem, 次第 indicates that the action of the main clause will be performed immediately after the subordinate clause's action is completed. For instance, 'Kinkyū renraku ga ari shidai, sugu ni mondai o kaiketsu shimasu.' (緊急連絡があり次第、すぐに問題を解決します) means 'As soon as there is an emergency contact, we will immediately resolve the problem.' This usage emphasizes a lack of delay.
When appended to a noun, 次第 implies that the subsequent event is contingent upon the circumstances or state represented by the noun. A practical example is 'Shachō no go-ketsugi no shidai de, honkaku-teki na tōtaisen ga hajimaru.' (社長のご決定の次第で、本格的なĐấu tranhが始まる) - 'Depending on the president's decision, a full-scale negotiation will begin.' This highlights dependence on a specific outcome.
The register of 次第 is predominantly formal, making it a staple in business correspondence, official instructions, and polite speech. Its correct application elevates the clarity and professionalism of communication.
The suffix 次第 (shidai) is a sophisticated grammatical tool in Japanese, primarily functioning to establish a direct link between two clauses or concepts based on conditionality or immediate succession. Its attachment to the verb stem (masu-form) or a noun allows for precise expression in formal contexts.
In its immediacy sense, following a verb stem, 次第 denotes that the subsequent action will be executed without any temporal gap once the preceding action is concluded. Consider 'Kōjō ga kanryō shi shidai, seisan o kaishi shimasu.' (工場が完了し次第、生産を開始します) - 'As soon as the factory construction is completed, we will commence production.' This conveys a sense of planned, swift execution.
As a marker of conditionality, when attached to a noun, 次第 indicates that the ensuing event or state is entirely dependent on the circumstances or decision represented by that noun. For example, 'Kyaku no ibun no shidai de, taiō o kōshin shimasu.' (客の異聞の次第で、対応を更新します) - 'We will update our response depending on the customer's feedback.' This implies a flexible, responsive approach dictated by external factors.
The register is consistently formal, lending an air of authority and politeness. Misuse can lead to awkwardness, as it's not typically employed in casual, everyday chatter. Understanding the subtle interplay between the two primary meanings is crucial for advanced comprehension and production of Japanese.
The suffix 次第 (shidai) represents a high-level Japanese grammatical construct, embodying concepts of strict sequentiality and conditional dependence. Its etymological roots trace back to notions of 'order' and 'decision', which are still reflected in its modern applications. Attached to the conjunctive form of verbs or nouns, it serves to intricately link clauses, signaling either immediate succession or contingency.
When appended to a verb stem, 次第 establishes an 'as soon as' relationship, implying that the subsequent action will be initiated the moment the prior action is finalized, often with an expectation of promptness. For instance, 'Shōnin ga todoki shidai, tōshi kaishi no renraku o mōshiagemasu.' (承認が届き次第、投資開始の連絡を申しあげます) - 'As soon as approval is received, we shall inform you of the commencement of investment.' This phrasing is characteristic of formal business protocols.
As a postnominal suffix, 次第 denotes that the subsequent clause's content is entirely governed by the circumstances or decision specified by the noun. This can range from procedural dependence to strategic contingency. Consider 'Jōkyō no shidai ni yotte, keikaku o henkō suru hitsuyō ga arundesu.' (状況の次第によって、計画を変更する必要があるんです) - 'Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to alter the plan.' The inclusion of ni yotte (によって) further emphasizes the conditional nature.
The formal register of 次第 is paramount. Its usage in literature, legal documents, and high-level business negotiations underscores its role in conveying precision and maintaining decorum. Understanding its historical evolution and subtle semantic variations provides deeper insight into the structural elegance of the Japanese language.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 次第 (shidai) is a formal suffix in Japanese.
- It means 'as soon as' when attached to a verb stem.
- It means 'depending on' or 'according to' when attached to a noun.
- It is commonly used in business and formal communication.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese suffix 次第 (shidai). It's a super useful little addition to words that helps us talk about things happening in order or depending on what else is going on. Think of it as a way to add a bit of 'if this, then that' or 'as soon as this is done' to your sentences. It's not a word on its own, but when you add it to the end of other words, it totally changes the meaning and adds a layer of conditionality or immediacy.
Basically, 次第 can be used in two main ways. First, it can mean 'depending on' or 'according to'. This is when the action that follows is influenced by the preceding situation or decision. For example, 'The plan is 次第' means the plan will be decided later, depending on circumstances. Second, it can mean 'as soon as' or 'immediately after'. This is when one action happens right after another one is completed. Imagine saying, 'As soon as I finish this, I'll call you.' That's the kind of timing 次第 can express.
Understanding 次第 helps you grasp more nuanced Japanese sentences. It’s all about connecting actions and conditions smoothly. So, keep an eye out for it, and you'll start seeing how it makes Japanese grammar flow!
The word 次第 itself comes from the verb shisu (為す), meaning 'to do' or 'to accomplish', combined with sada (定), meaning 'to decide' or 'to determine'. So, literally, it has roots in the idea of 'what is decided' or 'how things are done'. Over time, this evolved into its current usage as a suffix.
Historically, 次第 has been used in formal Japanese for centuries, particularly in administrative and official contexts. Its meaning of 'sequence' or 'order' was crucial in detailing procedures and responsibilities. You might find it in older documents describing the order of ceremonies or the steps in a bureaucratic process.
The transition from a standalone word or phrase related to order and decision-making to a grammatical suffix attached to verb stems or nouns is a common linguistic phenomenon. It reflects a tendency for language to become more concise and efficient. The suffix form allows speakers to express complex relationships between events more fluidly, making it a valuable tool in both spoken and written Japanese.
次第 is a suffix, meaning it attaches to the end of another word, usually a verb stem or a noun. It's quite versatile, but it generally falls into two main categories: conditionality and immediacy.
When used for conditionality, it often follows a noun or the stem of a verb. For example, Kihonryō wa nōnyū no shidai desu (基本料は納入の次第です) means 'The basic fee depends on the payment status.' Here, 次第 links the fee to the act of payment. In a more formal setting, shachō no go-ketsugi no shidai de, hanashiai o susumemasu (社長のご決定の次第で、話し合いを進めます) means 'Depending on the president's decision, we will proceed with discussions.'
For immediacy, 次第 often follows the verb stem (masu-stem). A common example is kinō ga owari shidai, soku jikkō shimasu (機能が終わり次第、即実行します), which translates to 'As soon as the function ends, we will execute it immediately.' This usage emphasizes that the next action will happen without delay once the preceding one is complete. It's a polite and common way to express promptness in business or formal communication.
Register: 次第 leans towards formal and polite language. While understandable in casual conversation, it's most frequently encountered in business settings, official announcements, and written communication. Using it appropriately adds a touch of sophistication and clarity to your Japanese.
While 次第 itself is a suffix and not typically part of standalone idioms in the way a full word might be, its meaning is deeply embedded in common expressions that convey sequence and condition. Here are some ways its core meaning appears in set phrases:
- その次第 (sono shidai): This phrase means 'the circumstances' or 'the way things are'. It refers to the state of affairs or the details of a situation. Example: 詳しいその次第は後日お伝えします。(Kuwashii sono shidai wa gojitsu otsutae shimasu.) - I will inform you of the detailed circumstances at a later date.
- 次第に (shidai ni): This adverbial form means 'gradually' or 'step by step'. It indicates a slow, progressive change over time. Example: 気分が次第に良くなってきた。(Kibun ga shidai ni yoku natte kita.) - My mood has been gradually improving.
- 成り行き次第 (nariiki shidai): This means 'depending on how things turn out' or 'depending on the outcome'. It highlights uncertainty and reliance on future developments. Example: 交渉は相手の出方次第だ。(Kōshō wa aite no dekata shidai da.) - The negotiation depends on how the other party acts.
- 都合次第 (tsugō shidai): Meaning 'depending on convenience' or 'as circumstances permit'. It's often used when scheduling or making arrangements. Example: 予定は君の都合次第で決めよう。(Yotei wa kimi no tsugō shidai de kimeyō.) - Let's decide the schedule depending on your convenience.
- 決定次第 (kettei shidai): This signifies 'as soon as the decision is made'. It's commonly used in formal announcements or plans. Example: 決定次第、皆様にご連絡いたします。(Kettei shidai, minasama ni go-renraku itashimasu.) - As soon as it is decided, we will contact everyone.
These expressions showcase how the core concept of 'order', 'sequence', or 'dependence' inherent in 次第 permeates various aspects of the Japanese language.
Grammatical Function: 次第 is a suffix that attaches to the conjunctive form (連用形 - ren'yōkei) of verbs or to nouns. When attached to a verb stem (like the 'masu'-stem), it indicates that the action in the main clause will occur immediately after the action in the subordinate clause is completed. When attached to a noun, it implies that the following action or state is contingent upon that noun or the situation it represents.
Pronunciation: The standard pronunciation of 次第 is /shi.da.i/. In Japanese, pitch accent is important. For 次第, it is typically pronounced with a flat accent (平板式 - heiban-shiki), meaning the pitch rises slightly after the first mora ('shi') and stays high through the rest of the word ('da', 'i').
- UK Pronunciation: /ʃɪˈdaɪ/ - Sounds like 'shi-DYE'. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
- US Pronunciation: /ʃɪˈdaɪ/ - Similar to UK, emphasis on the second syllable.
Common Errors: Learners sometimes confuse the 'depending on' meaning with the 'as soon as' meaning. Context is key! Also, ensure you are attaching it correctly to the verb stem or noun. Using it with the plain form of a verb might sound unnatural.
Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese can be tricky due to the syllable structure. However, words ending in '-idai' might offer near rhymes or similar sounds, such as: jōdai (上代 - ancient times), kōdai (広大 - vast), sōdai (壮大 - grand).
Fun Fact
The character '次' (tsugi) means 'next', and '第' (dai) can mean 'order' or 'rank'. Together, they originally emphasized the sequence or order of events.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'shi-DYE', with stress on the second syllable.
Similar to UK pronunciation, emphasis on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Misplacing stress on the first syllable ('SHI-dai').
- Pronouncing the 'i' sound too short.
- Confusing it with similar-sounding words.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of formal language and context.
Requires careful attention to register and grammatical attachment.
Requires confident use of formal expressions.
Often heard in formal settings, requires good comprehension of spoken Japanese.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Masu-stem)
〜ます form minus 〜ます (e.g., 食べます -> 食べ). This stem is needed for 次第.
Conditional Forms
Understanding 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜なら helps contrast with the specific conditions implied by 次第.
Noun Phrases
Knowing how to form noun phrases is essential as 次第 often follows them.
Examples by Level
会議が終わり次第、連絡します。
meeting end as-soon-as contact will-do
Ends with ます for politeness.
宿題が終わり次第、遊びます。
homework end as-soon-as play
Verb stem + 次第 means 'as soon as the verb action is done'.
天気次第で、遠足に行きます。
weather depending-on excursion go
Noun + 次第 means 'depending on the noun'.
お金が入り次第、買います。
money enter as-soon-as buy
This shows a direct sequence of events.
準備が終わり次第、出発します。
preparation end as-soon-as depart
The verb stem is 終わり (owari).
あなたの都合次第です。
your convenience depending-on is
This phrase is common for scheduling.
試合が終わり次第、結果を知らせます。
match end as-soon-as result will-inform
The verb is 知らせます (shirase-masu).
時間ができ次第、また連絡します。
time become available as-soon-as again will-contact
This is a polite way to say you'll be in touch later.
会議が終わり次第、皆さんに報告します。
meeting end as-soon-as everyone to report will-do
The verb stem of 終わる (owaru) is 終わり (owari).
新しい情報が入り次第、すぐにお知らせください。
new information enter as-soon-as immediately please-inform
The imperative form ください (kudasai) is used for polite requests.
準備が整い次第、出発いたします。
preparation be-ready as-soon-as departure will-do (humble)
いたします (itashimasu) is a humble form of します (shimasu).
彼の返事次第で、計画を変更する必要があります。
his reply depending-on plan change need exists
必要があります (hitsuyō ga arimasu) means 'it is necessary'.
天候が回復し次第、屋外活動を再開します。
weather recover as-soon-as outdoor activities will-resume
回復し (kaifuku shi) is the conjunctive form of 回復する (kaifuku suru).
お支払いが確認でき次第、商品を発送いたします。
payment confirm can as-soon-as goods will-ship (humble)
発送いたします (hassō itashimasu) is a formal way to say 'will ship'.
次の指示があり次第、すぐにご連絡いたします。
next instruction has as-soon-as immediately contact will-do (humble)
The verb stem of ある (aru) is あり (ari).
状況が落ち着き次第、改めてご説明させていただきます。
situation calm down as-soon-as again explain will-do (humble/polite)
させていただきます (sasete itadakimasu) is a very polite expression for receiving permission to do something.
ご要望が確認でき次第、速やかに対応させていただきます。
your request confirm can as-soon-as promptly will-respond (humble/polite)
速やかに (sumiyaka ni) means 'promptly' or 'swiftly'.
採用が決まり次第、本人に通知いたします。
hiring be-decided as-soon-as the-person to will-notify (humble)
通知いたします (tsūchi itashimasu) is a formal way to say 'will notify'.
詳細が判明し次第、改めてご案内申し上げます。
details become-clear as-soon-as again will-guide (humble/polite)
ご案内申し上げます (go-annai mōshiagemasu) is a very polite way to say 'will inform you'.
相手方の回答次第では、交渉の進め方が変わる可能性があります。
other-party's reply depending-on negotiation's progress method change possibility exists
可能性があります (kanōsei ga arimasu) means 'there is a possibility'.
この件については、上司の指示次第で対応いたします。
this matter regarding boss's instruction depending-on will-respond (humble)
指示次第 (shiji shidai) means 'depending on instructions'.
製品が完成し次第、皆様のお手元へお届けいたします。
product be-completed as-soon-as everyone's hands to will-deliver (humble)
お届けいたします (otodoke itashimasu) is a polite way to say 'will deliver'.
状況が許し次第、早急に現地調査を開始します。
situation permit as-soon-as promptly on-site investigation will-start
早急に (sōkyū ni) means 'urgently' or 'promptly'.
最終的な判断は、委員会の決定次第となります。
final decision committee's decision depending-on will-become
となります (to narimasu) is a formal way to state a result or condition.
貴社のご都合がつき次第、改めてお打ち合わせの日程を調整させていただきます。
your company's convenience becomes available as-soon-as again meeting's schedule will-adjust (humble/polite)
お打ち合わせ (o-uchiawase) is a polite term for 'meeting'.
審査結果が判明し次第、速やかに応募者全員に通知する予定です。
screening results become-clear as-soon-as promptly all-applicants to notify plan exists
通知する予定です (tsūchi suru yotei desu) means 'plan to notify'.
このプロジェクトの成否は、今後の市場動向次第で大きく左右されるだろう。
this project's success-or-failure future market trends depending-on greatly influenced will-be
左右される (sayū sareru) means 'to be influenced' or 'to be swayed'.
当局の承認が得られ次第、計画の実行段階へと移行します。
authorities' approval obtained as-soon-as plan's execution phase to will-transition
移行します (ikō shimasu) means 'to transition' or 'to shift'.
具体的な対応策については、詳細が判明し次第、改めて検討いたします。
specific countermeasures regarding details become-clear as-soon-as again will-consider (humble)
対応策 (taisaku) means 'countermeasures' or 'response strategies'.
最終的な価格設定は、原材料の仕入れ状況次第となります。
final pricing raw-materials' procurement status depending-on will-become
仕入れ状況 (shiire jōkyō) refers to 'procurement status' or 'supply situation'.
関係各所への連絡が完了し次第、一般公開の準備に取り掛かります。
relevant parties to contact completion as-soon-as general release preparation start
取り掛かります (torikakarimasu) means 'to begin' or 'to start working on'.
彼の病状の回復度合い次第では、早期退院も可能になるかもしれません。
his medical-condition's recovery degree depending-on early discharge also possible become perhaps
回復度合い (kaifuku doai) means 'degree of recovery'.
最終的な契約条件は、相手方との交渉結果次第で確定いたします。
final contract terms other-party with negotiation results depending-on will-be-finalized (humble)
確定いたします (kakutei itashimasu) is a formal and humble way to say 'will finalize'.
当該システムの導入可否につきましては、技術的検証の結果次第で判断させていただきます。
said system's introduction feasibility regarding technical verification's results depending-on will-judge (humble/polite)
可否 (kah) means 'feasibility' or 'whether it is possible or not'.
本件の進展は、関係当局からの正式な認可が得られ次第、速やかに公表いたします。
this matter's progress relevant authorities from official approval obtained as-soon-as promptly will-publicize (humble)
認可 (ninka) means 'authorization' or 'approval'.
我々の戦略の成否は、競合他社の動向をいかに読み解くかという点にかかっている。
our strategy's success-or-failure competitor companies' trends how decipher point depends-on
This sentence uses a slightly different structure, with the noun phrase acting as the condition, similar to 次第.
その提案を採用するか否かは、予算配分の状況次第で決定されるべきである。
that proposal adopt or not budget allocation situation depending-on decided should-be
〜べきである (beki de aru) expresses a strong recommendation or obligation.
現地調査の結果が判明し次第、関係各部署と連携し、具体的な対策を立案いたします。
on-site investigation's results become-clear as-soon-as relevant departments with cooperate specific measures will-plan (humble)
立案いたします (ritsuan itashimasu) is a formal term for 'to plan' or 'to draft'.
この度の変更点は、お客様からのフィードバック次第で、さらに見直しを行う可能性があります。
this time's changes customers from feedback depending-on further review conduct possibility exists
見直しを行う (minaoshi o okonau) means 'to review' or 'to reconsider'.
プロジェクトの遅延は、予期せぬ技術的問題の発生次第で、避けられないものとなるだろう。
project's delay unforeseen technical problems' occurrence depending-on unavoidable will-become
避けられない (sakerarenai) means 'unavoidable'.
最終的な合意形成は、双方の歩み寄り次第であり、現時点では予断を許さない状況にある。
final agreement formation both-sides' compromise depending-on is current-point-in-time in-spite-of prediction allow-not situation exists
予断を許さない (yodan o yurusanai) means 'unpredictable' or 'cannot allow premature judgment'.
当該事業の継続可否は、今後の市場動向及び規制当局の判断次第という、極めて流動的な要素に左右される。
said business's continuation feasibility future market trends and regulatory authorities' judgment depending-on extremely fluid elements influenced-is
流動的な (ryūdōteki na) means 'fluid' or 'unstable'.
提案された解決策の採用は、技術的実現可能性の検証結果次第であり、その評価は極めて慎重に行われるべきである。
proposed solution's adoption technical feasibility's verification results depending-on is its evaluation extremely carefully conducted should-be
実現可能性 (jitsugen kanōsei) means 'feasibility'.
この外交交渉の帰趨は、両国の国内世論の動向次第で大きく変動する可能性を孕んでいる。
this diplomatic negotiation's outcome both-countries' domestic public opinion's trends depending-on greatly fluctuate possibility contains
帰趨 (kisu) means 'outcome' or 'trend'.
我々の研究開発の方向性は、基礎科学のブレークスルー次第であり、その予測は困難を極める。
our research and development's direction basic science's breakthroughs depending-on is its prediction extreme difficulty reaches
ブレークスルー (bureikusurū) is a loanword for 'breakthrough'.
最終的な決定権は、株主総会の承認の有無、すなわちその結果次第ということになる。
final decision-making power shareholder meeting's approval's existence or-not namely its result depending-on becomes
有無 (umu) means 'existence or non-existence'.
現地での状況変化への対応は、迅速かつ柔軟に行われるべきであり、それは現場指揮官の判断次第となるだろう。
on-site situation changes to response quickly and flexibly conducted should-be and it on-scene commander's judgment depending-on will-become
現場指揮官 (genba shikikan) means 'on-site commander'.
この芸術作品の解釈は、鑑賞者の個人的経験や背景知識の次第であり、唯一絶対の正解は存在しない。
this artwork's interpretation viewer's personal experience and background knowledge depending-on is only one absolute correct-answer does-not-exist
鑑賞者 (kanshôsha) means 'viewer' or 'appreciator'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"その次第"
The circumstances; the way things are; the details.
詳しいその次第については、後日改めてご説明いたします。
formal"次第に"
Gradually; step by step; in succession.
季節は次第に秋めいてきた。
neutral"成り行き次第"
Depending on how things turn out; depending on the outcome.
交渉の行方は、相手の出方次第だ。
neutral"都合次第"
Depending on convenience; as circumstances permit.
会議の日程は、参加者の都合次第で調整します。
neutral"決定次第"
As soon as the decision is made.
決定次第、皆様にご連絡いたします。
formal"成り行き任せ (nariiki makase)"
Letting things take their own course; leaving it to fate (related in concept to 次第's contingency).
細かい計画は立てず、成り行き任せにしていた。
neutralEasily Confused
Both can indicate a condition or sequence.
〜たら is a general conditional form, often casual, meaning 'if/when'. 次第 is more formal and specifically implies either 'as soon as' (verb stem) or 'depending on' (noun), with a stronger sense of immediacy or strict conditionality.
宿題が終わったら、テレビを見ます。(Casual) vs. 宿題が終わり次第、テレビを見ます。(Formal, implies starting TV immediately after finishing homework).
Both indicate sequence.
〜てから simply means 'after doing X, then Y'. It's neutral in formality. 次第 implies a more direct or immediate succession ('as soon as') or a dependency ('depending on').
食事をしてから、寝ます。(Neutral, 'After eating, I will sleep.') vs. 食事が終わり次第、寝ます。(Formal, implies going to bed immediately after finishing the meal).
Shares the same characters and pronunciation.
次第 is a suffix attached to verbs or nouns. 次第に is an adverb meaning 'gradually' or 'step by step', indicating a slow progression, not immediacy or conditionality.
気分が次第に良くなった。(My mood gradually improved.) vs. 準備が終わり次第、出発します。(As soon as preparations are finished, we will depart.)
Both can mean 'depending on'.
〜に応じて is formal and often used for 'in accordance with' or 'responding to'. 次第 (following a noun) also means 'depending on' but can sometimes imply a stronger sense of contingency or direct influence.
状況に応じて対応します。(We will respond according to the situation - formal, standard) vs. 状況次第で対応します。(We will respond depending on the situation - slightly more emphasis on the situation dictating the action).
Sentence Patterns
Verb Stem + 次第
会議が終わり次第、報告します。(Kaigi ga owari shidai, hōkoku shimasu.)
Noun + 次第
天気次第で、遠足は中止です。(Tenki shidai de, ensoku wa chūshi desu.)
Noun + 次第 + です/となります
最終的な判断は、状況次第となります。(Saishūteki na handan wa, jōkyō shidai to narimasu.)
Verb Stem + 次第 + Polite Verb (e.g., いたします)
承認され次第、ご連絡いたします。(Shōnin sare shidai, go-renraku itashimasu.)
Noun + 次第で + Verb Phrase
あなたの都合次第で、計画を変更します。(Anata no tsugō shidai de, keikaku o henkō shimasu.)
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
次第 has a formal tone. Using it casually can sound stiff or unnatural.
While both meanings are related to conditionality, the grammatical attachment and context clarify the intended meaning.
Incorrect verb conjugation can make the sentence grammatically incorrect or sound unnatural.
The suffix 次第 implies a more direct condition or immediate sequence, not a slow progression.
While 次第 is useful, relying on it exclusively can make speech sound repetitive or overly formal.
Tips
Connect to 'Sequence'
Remember that '次' (tsugi) means 'next'. 次第 inherently involves a sequence: either the 'next' action happens 'as soon as' the current one finishes, or the 'next' step depends on the 'order' or 'circumstances' of the current one.
Listen for Business Japanese
Pay attention when watching Japanese business dramas or news reports. You'll often hear 次第 used in announcements or when discussing plans after a meeting or decision.
Politeness and Formality
Using 次第 correctly signals politeness and adherence to formal communication norms, which is highly valued in Japanese business culture.
Verb Stem + 次第
The most common pattern for 'as soon as' is Verb Stem + 次第. Practice conjugating verbs to their masu-stem form and adding 次第.
Emphasize the 'Dai'
Pronounce it shi-DAI, stressing the second syllable. Avoid rushing the sounds; clear pronunciation is key in formal Japanese.
Avoid Casual Use
Resist the temptation to use 次第 in casual chats with friends. Stick to simpler forms like 〜たら or 〜なら to sound more natural.
Character Clues
The character '次' (next) and '第' (order) visually hint at the meaning of sequence and order inherent in the suffix.
Create Your Own Scenarios
Imagine different situations: 'As soon as I finish this exercise, I'll take a break.' 'Depending on the weather tomorrow, I'll go hiking.' Translate these into Japanese using 次第.
Noun + 次第 = Contingency
When you see Noun + 次第, think 'contingent upon the noun'. Example: 状況次第 (jōkyō shidai) = contingent upon the situation.
Formal Closing
Notice how often 次第 appears in formal closing remarks of emails or announcements, like 「決定次第、ご連絡いたします」 (Kettei shidai, go-renraku itashimasu - We will contact you as soon as the decision is made).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'See Dai!' (sounds like shidai). When you 'see' the results ('Dai' sounds like 'dye', maybe you see the dye results), you know what to do next. Or, 'See, Dai! The next step depends on this!'
Visual Association
Imagine a sequence of dominoes falling. The next domino falls 'as soon as' the previous one hits it. Or, picture a flowchart where one box leads to another 'depending on' the outcome of the first.
Word Web
Challenge
Try creating sentences using both meanings: one where an action happens 'as soon as' something else finishes, and another where something happens 'depending on' a situation.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: Derived from the verb 為す (nasu - to do) and 定む (sadamu - to decide/fix), originally referring to the order or manner in which things are done or decided.
Cultural Context
No particular cultural sensitivity issues associated with this suffix.
In English, similar concepts are conveyed using phrases like 'depending on', 'as soon as', 'contingent upon', or 'once'. The direct suffix usage is unique to Japanese.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business Meetings
- 会議が終わり次第、ご報告いたします。
- 決定次第、改めてご連絡いたします。
- 皆様のご意見次第で、方針が変わる可能性もあります。
Announcements & Notifications
- 承認され次第、プロジェクトを開始します。
- 商品が届き次第、発送いたします。
- 詳細が判明し次第、公表いたします。
Scheduling & Planning
- 準備が整い次第、出発しましょう。
- 都合次第で、日程を調整します。
- 天候次第で、イベントは延期されます。
Formal Explanations
- 対応は状況次第となります。
- 最終的な判断は、専門家の意見次第です。
- この件の進展は、相手方次第です。
Conversation Starters
"会議が終わり次第、この件について話しましょうか？ (Shall we talk about this matter as soon as the meeting ends?)"
"あなたの都合次第で、いつ会うか決めたいのですが。 (I'd like to decide when to meet depending on your availability.)"
"もし何か問題が発生し次第、すぐに私に知らせてください。 (If any problems arise, please inform me immediately.)"
"このプロジェクトの成功は、チームの協力次第だと思います。 (I think the success of this project depends on the team's cooperation.)"
"新しい情報が入り次第、皆さんに共有しますね。 (I'll share it with everyone as soon as new information comes in.)"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you had to wait for someone else's decision before you could act. Use 次第.
Write about a plan you have that depends on certain conditions. Explain what those conditions are using 次第.
Think about a time you completed a task and immediately started another. Describe this sequence using 次第.
Imagine you are writing a formal announcement. Use 次第 to explain when information will be released or an action will be taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions〜たら is a conditional form often used in casual conversation, meaning 'if' or 'when'. 次第 is more formal and specifically implies either 'as soon as' (following a verb stem) or 'depending on' (following a noun), often used in business or official contexts.
While technically understandable, 次第 tends to sound quite formal. For casual chat, you'd usually use simpler forms like 〜たら, 〜なら, or 〜てから.
No, 次第 can follow the stem of a verb (like 終わり from 終わります) or a noun (like 天気 or 決定). The meaning slightly shifts depending on what it follows.
次第に (shidai ni) is an adverb that means 'gradually' or 'step by step'. It describes a slow, progressive change over time, which is different from the suffix 次第's meanings of immediacy or conditionality.
It's used in both, but it's much more common in written Japanese and formal spoken situations like business meetings or official announcements. You'll hear it less often in casual conversations with friends.
Look at what comes before 次第. If it's a noun (like 状況 - situation), it usually means 'depending on'. If it's the stem of a verb (like 終わり - end), it usually means 'as soon as'.
Be careful not to confuse it with words like 問題 (mondai - problem), which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and usage.
It requires practice to get the nuance right, especially distinguishing between the 'depending on' and 'as soon as' meanings and using it in the correct formal register. However, once you grasp the patterns, it becomes quite manageable.
Test Yourself
会議が終わり____、連絡します。
会議が終わり次第 means 'as soon as the meeting ends'.
What does 「天気次第で」 mean?
次第 means 'depending on' when attached to a noun like 天気 (weather).
The suffix 次第 can only mean 'as soon as'.
次第 can also mean 'depending on' or 'according to the circumstances'.
Word
Meaning
Matching the phrases to their meanings helps understand the two main uses of 次第.
The correct order forms the sentence: 会議が終わり次第、連絡します。 (As soon as the meeting ends, I will contact you.)
この計画は、予算の____次第で実行されます。
予算の配分次第 (budget allocation) fits the context of depending on how the budget is distributed.
Which sentence uses 次第 to mean 'depending on circumstances'?
状況次第となります (it will be depending on the situation) clearly indicates conditionality based on circumstances.
The adverbial form 次第に means 'immediately'.
次第に means 'gradually' or 'step by step', not immediately.
交渉の成否は、相手方の出方____大きく左右されるだろう。
相手方の出方次第で (depending on the other party's actions) correctly expresses the conditionality.
Word
Meaning
These advanced examples showcase the formal usage of 次第 in complex contexts.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 次第 allows you to express precise conditions and sequences in formal Japanese, enhancing clarity and professionalism.
- 次第 (shidai) is a formal suffix in Japanese.
- It means 'as soon as' when attached to a verb stem.
- It means 'depending on' or 'according to' when attached to a noun.
- It is commonly used in business and formal communication.
Connect to 'Sequence'
Remember that '次' (tsugi) means 'next'. 次第 inherently involves a sequence: either the 'next' action happens 'as soon as' the current one finishes, or the 'next' step depends on the 'order' or 'circumstances' of the current one.
Listen for Business Japanese
Pay attention when watching Japanese business dramas or news reports. You'll often hear 次第 used in announcements or when discussing plans after a meeting or decision.
Politeness and Formality
Using 次第 correctly signals politeness and adherence to formal communication norms, which is highly valued in Japanese business culture.
Verb Stem + 次第
The most common pattern for 'as soon as' is Verb Stem + 次第. Practice conjugating verbs to their masu-stem form and adding 次第.
Example
準備ができ次第、出発します。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More weather words
積もる
A2To pile up (e.g., snow).
のち
A2Later; afterwards (used in weather forecasts).
近づく
A2To approach; to come near (e.g., a storm).
避ける
B1To avoid; to dodge.
氷点下
A2Below freezing point; temperature below 0 degrees Celsius.
長靴
A2Rain boots; waterproof boots worn to protect feet from rain.
穏やかな
B1Calm; mild (na-adjective).
快晴
A2Clear skies; perfectly clear and sunny weather.
快適な
A2Comfortable; pleasant (na-adjective).
涼む
B1To cool oneself; to enjoy the cool air.
