Japanese grammar
What does ～しだいで mean? Japanese grammar N2
～しだいで means depends on; is contingent on (the outcome changes according to N).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + 次第だ N + 次第で |
| Romaji | shidaide |
| Meaning | depends on; is contingent on (the outcome changes according to N) |
Forming it
| Mid-sentence | 天気 + 次第で |
|---|---|
| Sentence-final | 努力 + 次第だ |
How to use it
States that a result or situation changes depending on a factor N.
- 「N次第で」 expresses that a result CHANGES DEPENDING ON factor N: "depending on N, …". 「N次第だ」 comes at the end of the sentence: "it depends on N".
- Factor N is usually what determines the result (effort, weather, the method used).
- Different from 「次第」 (as soon as): 「次第で／次第だ」 means "depending on," and attaches to a noun.
Examples
結果は努力次第で変わります。
The result changes depending on your effort.
天気次第で、予定を変更します。
Depending on the weather, we will change the plan.
Keep in mind
- Nouns connect directly.
- Idiom: 「地獄の沙汰も金次第」 (everything comes down to money).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong分かり次第で、連絡します。
As soon as I find out, I will contact you.
Correct分かり次第、連絡します。
"As soon as" is 「次第」 (masu-stem, without で); 「次第で」 (with a noun) means "depending on".
-
Wrong成功するかどうかは、あなた次第でだ。
Whether it succeeds or not depends on you.
Correct成功するかどうかは、あなた次第だ。
At the end of a sentence, use 「次第だ」 (it depends on), not 「次第でだ」.
Exam tips
- 「N次第で／次第だ」 = depending on N; do not confuse it with 「次第」 (masu-stem) = as soon as.