次第でshidai de“depending on”

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

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

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.

Nuance of 次第で

The key nuance is say the result changes according to a factor.

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

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

Practice questions for 次第で

• 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.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes 次第で necessary.

Related grammar to review next

• 次第 — as soon as; depending on.
• n2 ni oujite — depending on; according to.
• n3 ni yotte — by; due to; depending on.

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
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons