JLPT N2 Grammar – Differences between “〜次第で” “〜次第だ” and “〜次第に”
Table of Contents
1. Differences in the grammar using “次第“
2. 〜次第で
3. 〜次第だ
4. 〜次第に
5. Let’s Compare
6. Summary
7. Quiz
8. Similar Articles
9. Comment
Q: Can you explain the differences in the grammar using “次第“?
A: “次第” itself has various meanings, but the words it is used with often relate to the order or state of something, or someone’s intention. Depending on whether it is followed by “だ,” “で,” or “に,” the meaning changes.
〜次第で (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Indicates that the result or situation of something is influenced or determined by something else
・B depends on A
・B is determined by A
[Rule]
[N] Noun＋次第で
[Examples]
話し方次第で丁寧にも失礼にもなります。
Depending on how you speak, it can be either polite or rude.
テストの結果次第でどのクラスになるか決められます。
Your test results determine the class you will be in.
明日のイベントは天気次第で中止になるかもしれません。
Tomorrow’s event may be canceled depending on the weather.
〜次第だ (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Indicates the reason or circumstances that led to a certain result
・B became the result due to A reason/circumstance
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form＋次第だ
[Examples]
今日はわたくしたちの新製品を紹介しにこちらへ伺った次第です。
Today, I am here to introduce our new product.
このイベントを多くの人に楽しんでいただきたい次第です。
We hope that many people will enjoy this event.
彼女がリーダーに選ばれたのは、これまでの実績が評価された次第です。
She was chosen as the leader because her past achievements were highly evaluated.
〜次第に (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Indicates that something changes over time
・Gradually
・Little by little
[Rule]
[N] Sentence 1＋次第に＋Sentence 2
[Examples]
母は薬を飲んで次第に元気になりました。
My mother gradually got better after taking the medicine.
今朝は雨でしたが、午後から次第に天気は回復してきました。
It was raining this morning, but the weather gradually improved in the afternoon.
毎日練習していたら、次第にできるようになってきました。
After practicing every day, I gradually started to get better at it.
Let’s Compare
[次第で]
It connects with people or things that determine or differentiate in degree or type, meaning “it depends on N to decide or change something.”
[Examples]
話し方次第で丁寧にも失礼にもなります。
Depending on how you speak, it can be either polite or rude.
⇒ This shows that whether it’s polite or rude is determined by how you speak.
B社の返事次第でこの話はなくなってしまいます。
The outcome of this matter depends on B Company’s response.
⇒ This shows that whether the matter proceeds or not is determined by B Company’s response.
[次第だ]
This is used when explaining the reason or circumstances behind something, indicating that “this resulted in…”. It is often used in business contexts and not for explaining simple reasons or circumstances.
[Examples]
今日はわたくしたちの新製品を紹介しにこちらへ伺った次第です。
Today, I am here to introduce our new product.
⇒ This shows that the reason for “being here” is to “introduce the new product.”
A「どうしてこの会社に応募したんですか。」
B「御社の社長のインタビューを拝見し感動して、応募した次第でございます。」
A: “Why did you apply to this company?”
B: “I was deeply moved after reading an interview with your company’s president, and that’s why I decided to apply.”
⇒ This shows that the reason for “applying” is being “moved by the president’s interview.”
[次第に]
This expresses the gradual change or progression of something. It indicates that something is “gradually” or “slowly” happening.
[Examples]
母は薬を飲んで次第に元気になりました。
My mother gradually got better after taking the medicine.
⇒ This shows that the mother gradually regained her strength after taking the medicine.
空は次第に暗くなり大雨が降り出しました。
The sky gradually darkened, and heavy rain began to fall.
⇒ This shows that the sky gradually became darker, leading to heavy rain.
Summary
[次第で]
- It is connected to a person or matter that changes or determines something.
[次第だ]
- It is connected to the reason or circumstances that led to that result.
[次第に]
- It expresses the way something gradually changes.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 次第で
天気次第で明日の予定が変わります。
The plan for tomorrow will change depending on the weather.
*The determining factor for tomorrow’s schedule is the weather, so “次第で” is correct.
A. 次第に
犬のケンは病気になって次第に弱ってしまいました。
The dog, Ken, gradually became weaker due to illness.
*This indicates a gradual weakening, so “次第に” is correct.
A. 次第だ
今日ここに集まってもらったのは、あなたたちに伝えたいことがあった次第だ。
The reason I asked you to gather here today is that there is something I wanted to tell you.
*”There was something I wanted to convey” is the reason, and as a result, “I gathered everyone,” so “次第だ” is correct.
