Structure
Verb［ます］+ 次第
［する］Verb + 次第
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Formal
About 次第
次第 is a noun that is often translated in different ways, depending on what type of word it follows. In this lesson, we will look at the meaning associated with the conjunctive form of standard verbs, and the stem of する verbs. Although it is a noun, 次第 may also be classified simply as a suffix in many cases.
Basically, 次第 means 'next in sequence after (A)', and is often translated to 'as soon as (A)'.Fun Fact
One of the most important things to keep in mind with 次第, is that the literal meaning in almost every situation is 'determining sequence'. This is unlike any standard phrase in English, but simply expresses that (A) is what will govern (B). Let's look at how this translates with different word types.
Verb 次第 - Verb determines the sequence of (B). Since a verb is not capable of making a choice, (A) simply 'happening' will result in (B).
- 計画が決まり次第、あなたに報告します。I will notify you as soon as we decide on the plan.
Living noun 次第 - Noun determines the sequence of (B). Since living things can make choices, (B) will depend on (A).
- 行くか行かないかは君次第だよ。Whether you go or not will depend on you.
Inanimate/abstract noun 次第 - Noun determines the sequence of (B). Since inanimate/abstract things cannot make choices, (A) will determine (B)'s course of action. (B) will usually involve some kind of decision.
- 6人も乗れるかは車のサイズ次第だね。Whether or not 6 people can fit will depend on the size of the car.
Synonyms
なり
As soon as, The moment, When
Not studied yet
直ちに
At once, Immediately, As soon as
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たとたんに
The instant or moment, As soon as, Just as
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にかかわる
To relate to, To have to do with, Concerning, Depends on
Not studied yet
によって・による
By means of, According to, Depending on, Because of, Due to
Not studied yet
次第だ・次第で
Depending on, So
Not studied yet
Examples
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準備が出来次第出発しますよ。
We will depart as soon as you are ready.
彼が来次第、知らせてください。
Please notify me as soon as he comes.
プロジェクトが済み次第、ご連絡ください。
Please contact me as soon as the project is finished.
お金を受け取り次第、郵送します。
I will send it as soon as I receive the money.
学校を卒業し次第、仕事を探すつもりだ。
As soon as I graduate, I plan to look for a job.
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次第 - 詳しく説明
Riki Nihongo Dayo [video]
文法・例文：次第
日本語 NET
すぐに, とたんに, 次第
HiNative
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次第 – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (2 in total)
Kanashimida
Could there be a mistake with the third sentence example?
雨が止み次第、大会は再開される。
In my note I wrote this sentence can’t use with situations that happens naturally like rain, earthquake, etc… I asked my sensei and she said neither half of the sentence can use them. Also the fact that its a 硬い言い方 wasn’t shown in the examples.
Daru
You don’t use 次第 when you’re not expressing your volition on the second half on the sentence, and you can’t use it when its an spontaneous event or action, or past events as you’re waiting for something to happen and past events have, well, happened. For example:
そのニュースが伝わり次第、暴動が起こるだろう。
As soon as the news spreads, a riot will probably happen.This sentence is ungrammatical as the first half, news spreading, isn’t part of a natural progression. Not all news spread after all.
In contrast:
天候が回復し次第、出航します。
We’ll set sail as soon as the weather clears.Weather WILL eventually clear as part of its natural progression, and you’re stating your intention to set sail as soon as that happens.
Hope this helps!
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