JLPT N2 Grammar – The differences between “〜次第で” “〜次第だ” and “〜次第に”
Table of Contents
1. The 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. Comments
Can you explain the differences between the grammar expressions using “次第”?
A: “〜次第で,” “〜次第だ,” and “次第に” all use the word “次第,” but they have different meanings and usages.
• 〜次第で: The result depends on something.
• 〜次第だ: Used to explain circumstances, reasons, or how something came about.
• 次第に: Something changes gradually.
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning and usage of each expression.
〜次第で (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Indicates that a result or situation is determined by or changes depending on a certain condition or circumstance, as in “B is determined by A” or “B changes depending on 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。
Which class you will be placed in depends on your test results.
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]
Used to formally explain circumstances, reasons, background, or one’s own thoughts
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form + 次第だ
[Examples]
本日は、私どもの新製品をご紹介するために伺った次第です。
I am here today to introduce our new product.
このイベントを多くの方に楽しんでいただきたいと考えている次第です。
We hope that many people will enjoy this event.
これまでの実績が高く評価され、彼女がリーダーに選ばれた次第です。
She was chosen as the leader because her past achievements were highly evaluated.
〜次第に (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Indicates that a state gradually changes over time
[Rule]
次第に + an expression indicating change
[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が回復してきました。
It was raining this morning, but the weather gradually improved in the afternoon.
毎日練習しているうちに、次第にできるようになってきました。
As I practiced every day, I gradually became able to do it.
Let’s Compare
[〜次第で]
Focuses on what determines the result.
[Examples]
努力で、結果は大きく変わります。
Your results can change greatly depending on how much effort you put in.
⇒ This indicates that the result is determined by or changes depending on the amount of effort.
B社の返事次第で、この話はなくなってしまうかもしれません。
Whether this matter proceeds depends on B Company’s response.
⇒ This indicates that whether the matter proceeds or not depends on B Company’s response.
[〜次第だ]
Used to explain circumstances, reasons, or how something came about in a formal manner.
Rather than being used to explain simple reasons in everyday conversation, it is commonly used in business and other formal situations.
[Examples]
急なお願いですが、ご対応いただきたく、ご連絡した次第です。
I am contacting you to ask for your assistance despite the short notice.
⇒ This formally explains the circumstances or purpose behind why the speaker is making contact.
A：「どうして弊社に応募されたのですか。」
B：「御社の社長のインタビューを拝見し、非常に感銘を受け、応募した次第です。」
A: “Why did you apply to our company?”
B: “I was deeply impressed by an interview with your company’s president, which led me to apply.”
⇒ This formally explains the reason and circumstances that led to the application.
[〜次第に]
Indicates that a state gradually changes over time.
[Examples]
毎日練習を続けるうちに、次第に上手に話せるようになりました。
As I continued practicing every day, I gradually became able to speak better.
⇒ This indicates that the speaker’s ability to speak gradually improved through continued practice.
空が次第に暗くなり、大雨が降り出しました。
The sky gradually darkened, and heavy rain began to fall.
⇒ This indicates that the sky gradually became darker.
In this way, “〜次第で” indicates what determines a result, “〜次第だ” explains circumstances or reasons, and “次第に” describes a gradual change. Pay attention to what “次第” expresses in each case so that you can use them correctly.
Summary
[〜次第で]
- Means “B is determined by or changes depending on A.”
- Used with a condition or circumstance that influences the result.
[〜次第だ]
- Used to formally explain circumstances, reasons, or how something came about.
- Commonly used in business and other formal situations.
[〜次第に]
- Means “gradually” or “little by little.”
- Describes a state that changes gradually over time.
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.
*“次第で” is correct because what happens with tomorrow’s plans is determined by the weather.
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.
*“次第に” is correct because it describes Ken’s condition gradually changing and becoming weaker.
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.
*“次第だ” is correct because it formally explains the circumstances or reason why everyone was asked to gather today.
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