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').
天気次第で決めます。
I'll decide depending on the weather.
結果はあなたの努力次第です。
The result depends on your effort.
使い方次第で、この道具はとても便利になる。
Depending on how you use it, this tool can be very useful.
値段次第では、買ってもいいと思っている。
Depending on the price, I'm willing to buy it.
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 EXPRESSIONS:
- [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.