次第です
Because the reason is, Therefore, The present situation is like this, This is how (it is), Those are the circumstances, This is why
Structure
Explanation
When attached to a verb in its plain form, 次第 is used to state the reason or circumstances behind a situation. It is almost always followed by the auxiliary verb です, as this grammar is primarily used in formal or polite situations. The less common だ may be used in plainer contexts.
- 乗るはずだった電車が遅れたため、会議に遅刻した次第です。I was late to the meeting because the train I was supposed to take was delayed.
- 本日付でこちらの部署に配属されましたので、ご挨拶に伺った次第です。I was assigned to this department as of today, which is why I have come to introduce myself.
- お客様から急な仕様変更の依頼があり、現在チームで対応を検討している次第です。We are currently discussing as a team how to respond because we received a sudden specification change request from the client.
In essence, this use of 次第 explains 'how it came to be that (A)', presenting the preceding information as the direct background or cause for the current state of affairs. Across its different grammatical functions, 次第 consistently conveys a relationship of sequence or dependence. This core concept connects related grammar structures like 次第 for 'as soon as', and 次第だ for 'it depends on'.Fun Fact
Examples
お客様からのお問い合わせが殺到しており、返信が遅れてしまった次第です。
We have been inundated with customer inquiries, and that is why our reply has been delayed.
貴社の理念に深く共感し、貢献したいと考え、応募させていただいた次第です。
I deeply empathize with your company's philosophy and wish to contribute; that is the reason I am applying.
より正確な診断のため、専門の病院で精密検査を受けていただくようお勧めする次第です。
The reason I am recommending you undergo a detailed examination at a specialized hospital is for a more accurate diagnosis.
ケン:「どうして引っ越すことにしたの?」ミカ:「今の家は駅から遠くて不便だから、引っ越すことにした次第だよ。」
Ken: ‘Why did you decide to move?’ Mika: ‘The reason I decided to move is that my current house is inconveniently far from the station.’
サーバーに予期せぬ不具合が発生したため、緊急メンテナンスを実施する次第です。
Because an unexpected issue has occurred with our server, we are now performing emergency maintenance.
部下から上司に:「交渉の結果、先方から価格面での譲歩を引き出すことに成功した次第です。」
Subordinate to boss: 'Reporting on the negotiations: the outcome is that we have successfully secured a price concession from the other party.'
チームの皆様の支えがあったからこそ、このプロジェクトを完遂できた次第です。
The reason we were able to complete this project is precisely because of the support from everyone on the team.
慎重に検討を重ねました結果、今回はご期待に沿いかねるという結論に至った次第です。
We have reached the conclusion that we are unable to meet your expectations on this occasion, as a result of careful and repeated consideration.
引っ越しの作業で一日中、音がうるさくなってしまうかと思いますので、ご挨拶に伺った次第です。
Because I expect we'll be making noise all day with our moving work, that is why I have come to greet you.
本日の会議の要点をまとめましたので、ご確認いただきたくメールをお送りした次第です。
I have summarized the main points from today's meeting, and I am sending this email because I would like you to confirm them.
両社の強みを活かし、さらなる事業拡大を目指すため、この度合併するに至った次第です。
The reason we have decided to merge at this time is to leverage the strengths of both companies and aim for further business expansion.
アキラ:「まだ残ってるの?」ユキ:「急ぎの仕事を頼まれまして、残業している次第です。」
Akira: ‘You’re still here?’ Yuki: ‘I was asked to do an urgent task, so that’s the reason I’m working overtime.’