# 次第: as soon as; depending on > Learn how to use 次第, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning as soon as; depending on, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-shidai/ **次第** means **as soon as; depending on**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **show immediate action after completion or dependence on circumstances**. 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** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does 次第 mean? Use **次第** when you want to **show immediate action after completion or dependence on circumstances**. Natural translations include: - as soon as; 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 Verb stem + 次第 / Noun + 次第 Examples of the pattern: - 準備ができ次第 - 結果が分かり次第 - 資料が届き次第 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 used? Use **次第** 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 example sentences - 準備ができ次第、出発します。 — We will leave as soon as preparations are complete. - 結果が分かり次第、ご連絡します。 — I will contact you as soon as the results are known. - 資料が届き次第、確認してください。 — Please check the materials as soon as they arrive. - 参加するかどうかは、予定次第です。 — Whether I participate depends on my schedule. - 天気次第で、行き先を変えます。 — Depending on the weather, we will change the destination. After reading each sentence, ask what job **次第** 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 The key nuance is **show immediate action after completion or dependence on circumstances**. 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** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **たらすぐ**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## 次第 vs たらすぐ Both **次第** and **たらすぐ** can express related ideas, but they are different. **次第**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **たらすぐ**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 準備ができ次第、出発します。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **たらすぐ** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with 次第 Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **たらすぐ** 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**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is 次第 on the JLPT? Yes. **次第** 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 Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **次第**. - Write a second sentence with **たらすぐ** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for 次第 To learn **次第** 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** with **たらすぐ** 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** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [次第で](/blog/n2-shidai-de/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 tara](/blog/n4-tara/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 to conditional](/blog/n4-to-conditional/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn 次第 with Hane If you want to review **次第** 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/)