1.
depending on — used after a noun to say that an outcome varies according to that factor
A fixed pattern [noun] + 次第で, meaning 'depending on [noun]' or 'according to [noun]'. It introduces a factor that will determine or influence the result of something. The related form 次第だ ends a sentence ('it depends on X'), and 次第では adds a stronger conditional nuance ('depending on the circumstances').
Fixed pattern: [noun] + 次第で / 次第です / 次第では. The element 次第 is a noun meaning 'order' or 'circumstances', and attaching で turns the whole phrase into 'depending on X'.
Usage
- [noun] + 次第で: depending on [noun] (used mid-sentence). The outcome varies with the noun.
- [noun] + 次第だ/です: it depends on [noun] (sentence-ending). Common as a complete statement: '結果は君次第だ' (the result depends on you).
- [noun] + 次第では: depending on [noun] (with a stronger conditional nuance, often introducing a contingency).
- Attaches only to NOUNS, not directly to verbs or adjectives. To follow a verb, use a nominalized form such as 使い方 or similar nouns.
Common collocations
- 天気次第で: depending on the weather
- あなた次第だ: it depends on you; it's up to you
- 結果次第で: depending on the result
- 努力次第で: depending on one's effort
- 場合次第で: depending on the situation
- 値段次第では: depending on the price
Similar words
- [noun] + によって: by / depending on — very close in meaning; more neutral and more common overall. 次第で emphasizes that the factor will decisively determine the outcome.
- [noun] + による: depends on — verb form, used in expressions like 'それはあなたによる' ('that depends on you').
- [noun] + 如何で: depending on — more formal and literary, common in written Japanese.
Register
Neutral to slightly formal. Common in both speech and writing. 次第です as a sentence ending often appears in business or polite contexts when accepting that an outcome rests with another party.