1.
to follow in succession; to happen one after another
Describes events, incidents, or occurrences that keep happening in close succession. Often used for negative events such as accidents, scandals, or disasters.
事故が相次いだ。
Accidents happened one after another.
不祥事が相次いで発覚した。
Scandals were uncovered one after another.
この地域では熊の目撃が相次いでおり、住民は警戒している。
Bear sightings have been occurring one after another in this area, and residents are on alert.
相次ぐ is an intransitive godan verb. It conjugates as 相次いで (te-form), 相次いだ (past). Note the irregular te-form: いで rather than the standard godan いて.
ASPECT (ている):
相次いでいる indicates a continuing series of occurrences.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ～が相次ぐ (something happens in succession)
- 相次いで (one after another — often used adverbially)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 事故が相次ぐ (accidents follow one after another)
- 辞任が相次ぐ (resignations follow in succession)
- 被害が相次ぐ (damage occurs repeatedly)
This verb is strongly associated with news reporting and often appears in headlines. It tends to collocate with negative events, though it can describe any series of occurrences.