「次第（しだい）」is a high-frequency N2 grammar point because it has three completely different uses. The key is identifying what comes before it and what follows.
Use 1: V ます-stem + 次第 = As Soon As…
Indicates that once something is completed, the next action follows immediately. Commonly used in formal settings for promises or notifications:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| トラブルの原因が分かり次第、すぐにお伝えいたします。 | As soon as the cause of the problem is identified, I'll inform you immediately. |
| 届き次第、ご連絡ください。 | Please contact us as soon as it arrives. |
| 準備ができ次第、出発しましょう。 | Let's depart as soon as preparations are ready. |
Connection: Verb ます-stem (remove ます) + 次第
Key Points
- The following clause is usually about notifying, taking action, or making contact
- Mostly used in business and formal contexts
- Similar in meaning to たらすぐ, but 次第 is more formal
Use 2: Noun + 次第で = Depends On…
Indicates that the outcome depends on the preceding noun — "it's determined by this factor":
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| うまくいけるかどうかは、きみ次第です。 | Whether it goes well depends on you. |
| やり方次第で、結果は変わる。 | Depending on the approach, the results will differ. |
| 考え方次第で、人生は楽しくなる。 | Depending on how you think about it, life becomes enjoyable. |
Connection: Noun + 次第 (で/だ/です)
Common Collocations
- あなた次第 = depends on you
- やり方次第 = depends on the approach
- 気持ち次第 = depends on your attitude
- 天気次第 = depends on the weather
Use 3: 次第です = That's How Things Stand (Formal Explanation)
「次第です」placed at the end of a sentence is used to formally explain circumstances or reasons, equivalent to "that is the situation":
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 納品遅延のため、これからのスケジュールを変更している次第です。 | Due to the delivery delay, we have changed the upcoming schedule. |
| 以上の理由で、辞退させていただく次第です。 | For the above reasons, I have decided to decline. |
Connection: Sentence + 次第です (sentence-final only)
Key Points
- Extremely formal, mainly used in business emails, formal speeches, and announcements
- Similar to a formal version of のです
- Never used in casual conversation
Quick Reference for All Three Uses
| Use | Connection | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| V ます-stem + 次第 | 分かり次第 | As soon as… | Notify as soon as identified |
| Noun + 次第 | きみ次第 | Depends on… | Depends on you |
| 次第です | …次第です | Formal explanation | Changed the schedule accordingly |
How to tell them apart: Verb before it = "as soon as"; Noun before it = "depends on"; At the end of a sentence = "formal explanation."
Summary
- V ます-stem + 次第 = As soon as it's done (formal "as soon as")
- Noun + 次第で = Depends on a certain factor
- 次第です = Formal explanation of circumstances (sentence-final)
- The key to distinguishing: look at what precedes it and where it appears
Self-Check
1. Translate: 「届き次第、すぐにご連絡します。」
Show Answer
"I'll contact you as soon as it arrives." 届き + 次第 = verb ます-stem + 次第 = "as soon as" usage.
2. What does 「成績は努力次第だ」 mean?
Show Answer
"Grades depend on effort." Noun + 次第 = "depends on" usage.
3. Which 次第 below means "depends on"?
- a. 結果が出次第、報告します。
- b. 結果はあなた次第です。
Show Answer
b is "depends on" (noun + 次第). a is "as soon as" (verb ます-stem + 次第) = "I'll report as soon as the results come out."