JLPT N2 grammar
〜次第 (three patterns) — Meaning & Examples
ます-stem + 次第 = as soon as (never past tense). Noun + 次第だ = depends on. Noun + 次第で = depending on.
〜次第 — Three Different Patterns
次第（しだい） is high-yield because it appears in three distinct grammatical shapes with different meanings.
1. Verb ます-stem + 次第 = "as soon as." Formal, and the following clause cannot be past tense.
田中さんが到着し次第、会議を始めます。
= We will begin the meeting as soon as Mr Tanaka arrives.
決まり次第、ご連絡いたします。
= I will contact you as soon as it's decided.
❌ 着き次第、始めました。 (次第 cannot describe a completed past event)
2. Noun + 次第だ = "depends on."
成功するかどうかは、努力次第だ。
= Whether you succeed depends on your effort.
3. Noun + 次第で(は) = "depending on."
天気次第で、予定を変えます。
= Depending on the weather, we'll change the plan.
使い方次第では、危険になる。
= Depending on how it's used, it can become dangerous.
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Bonus — 〜において = "in / at," the formal version of で:
会議において、その件が議論された。
= The matter was discussed at the meeting.
現代社会において、SNSは欠かせない。
= In modern society, social media is indispensable.
Noun-modifying: における — 日本における教育制度 = the education system in Japan. You will see this constantly in academic writing. 🎓
Practice questions
Try these 3 questions on 〜次第 (three patterns). Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. この映画は実話＿＿作られた。Which fits?
- 次第で (shidai de)
- に沿って (ni sotte)
- をめぐって (o megutte)
- に基づいて (ni motozuite)
Show answer
Answer: に基づいて (ni motozuite)
〜に基づいて = based on — the evidence or foundation. 実話に基づいて = based on a true story.
2. 田中さんが到着し次第、会議を始めます means?
- Depending on Mr Tanaka, we will start
- We will start as soon as Mr Tanaka arrives
- Mr Tanaka started the meeting
- We started before Mr Tanaka arrived
Show answer
Answer: We will start as soon as Mr Tanaka arrives
ます-stem + 次第 = as soon as. Formal, and the following clause cannot be past tense.
3. 天気次第で、予定を変えます means?
- As soon as the weather clears, we will change plans
- The weather changed our plans
- Depending on the weather, we will change plans
- We changed plans because of the weather
Show answer
Answer: Depending on the weather, we will change plans
Noun + 次第で = depending on. Distinct from ます-stem + 次第 (as soon as) and noun + 次第だ (depends on).
Practise 〜次第 (three patterns) in the free app
This point is part of the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N2 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N2 grammar points
From the same lesson: 📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜次第 (three patterns) mean?
ます-stem + 次第 = as soon as (never past tense). Noun + 次第だ = depends on. Noun + 次第で = depending on.
Is 〜次第 (three patterns) on the JLPT N2 test?
〜次第 (three patterns) is taught in the JLPT N2 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜次第 (three patterns)?
Open the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N2 mock exams, with no ads.