次第だ・
次第 presents a person, condition, decision, or other factor as what determines an outcome. Depending on the ending, it can mean “it depends on,” connect the factor to its result, or introduce a possible result.
Choose a genuinely determining factor
The noun before 次第 must be capable of deciding or materially changing the outcome. Typical factors include a person’s decision, the weather, a result, available funds, effort, or a way of thinking.
The three endings
The basic meaning stays the same, but the ending controls how the determining factor connects to the rest of the sentence.
最終的な判断は委員長次第だ。
The final decision is up to the committee chair.
Analyze次第だ ends the sentence by identifying the person who will determine the outcome.
審査結果次第で、計画を大幅に見直す必要がある。
Depending on the review results, the plan may need major revision.
Analyze次第で links the determining factor directly to the result.
交渉の結果次第では、発売を延期する可能性もある。
Depending on how the negotiations turn out, the release may be postponed.
Analyze次第では introduces postponement as one possible outcome under certain results.
A conversational short form
旅行に行くかどうか、もう決めた？
Have you decided whether you’re going on the trip?
Analyzeまだ。みんなの予定次第かな。
Not yet. I guess it depends on everyone’s schedule.
AnalyzeA compact noun phrase ending in 次第 is natural in conversation when the intended outcome is clear from context.
Noun attachment versus the time-sequence pattern
For the dependency meaning taught here, attach 次第 to a noun naming the determining factor. When it follows a verb’s ます-stem, it instead means “as soon as.”
担当者が戻り次第、ご連絡します。
We will be in touch as soon as the person in charge returns.
Analyze戻り is the form before ます, so this is the separate time-sequence pattern, not the dependency use.
More examples
この案を実行するかどうかは、部長の判断次第だ。
Whether this proposal is carried out depends on the department manager’s decision.
Analyze工夫次第で、狭い部屋も快適に使える。
With the right ingenuity, even a small room can be used comfortably.
Analyze予算次第では、事業の規模を縮小せざるを得ない。
Depending on the budget, we may have no choice but to reduce the scale of the project.
Analyze採用するかどうかは、面接での受け答え次第です。
Whether the applicant is hired depends on how they respond during the interview.
Analyze明日の天気次第で、試合の開始時刻を変更します。
Depending on tomorrow’s weather, the starting time of the match will be changed.
Analyze努力次第では、半年で目標に届く可能性もある。
Depending on the effort made, it may be possible to reach the goal within six months.
Analyze