# 次第で: depending on > Learn how to use 次第で, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning depending on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-shidai-de/ **次第で** means **depending on**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **say the result changes according to a factor**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **次第で** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does 次第で mean? Use **次第で** when you want to **say the result changes according to a factor**. Natural translations include: - depending on - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form 次第で Noun + 次第で Examples of the pattern: - 努力次第で - 天気次第で - 考え方次第で In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is 次第で used? Use **次第で** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## 次第で example sentences - 努力次第で、結果は変わる。 — Depending on your effort, the result will change. - 天気次第で、イベントは中止になるかもしれない。 — Depending on the weather, the event may be canceled. - 考え方次第で、失敗も学びになる。 — Depending on your mindset, failure can become learning. - 使い方次第で、この道具はとても便利だ。 — Depending on how you use it, this tool is very convenient. - 交渉次第で、条件は良くなる可能性がある。 — Depending on negotiations, the conditions may improve. After reading each sentence, ask what job **次第で** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of 次第で The key nuance is **say the result changes according to a factor**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **次第で** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **によって**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## 次第で vs によって Both **次第で** and **によって** can express related ideas, but they are different. **次第で**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **によって**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 努力次第で、結果は変わる。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **によって** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with 次第で Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **によって** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **次第で**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is 次第で on the JLPT? Yes. **次第で** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. That means learners should be able to: - recognize it in reading - understand its nuance in context - use it in simple original sentences For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for 次第で Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **次第で**. - Write a second sentence with **によって** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for 次第で To learn **次第で** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **次第で** with **によって** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **次第で** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [次第](/blog/n2-shidai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n2 ni oujite](/blog/n2-ni-oujite/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n3 ni yotte](/blog/n3-ni-yotte/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn 次第で with Hane If you want to review **次第で** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)