次第だ
Depending on, So
Structure
Noun + 次第で
Explanation
When attached to a noun, 次第 acts like a suffix to indicate that one thing is contingent upon another. It is typically followed by だ or で to connect to the rest of the sentence. The structure conveys the meaning '(B) depends on (A)' or 'depending on (A), (B) will happen'. The noun (A) represents the condition or factor that will determine the outcome of (B).
- プレゼンテーションがうまくいくかどうかは、あなたの準備次第だ。Whether the presentation goes well or not depends on your preparation.
- 明日ハイキングに行けるかどうかは、天気次第だ。Whether we can go hiking tomorrow or not depends on the weather.
- 部長のスケジュール次第で、会議の時間が変更になるかもしれません。Depending on the manager's schedule, the meeting time might be changed.
- あなたの気分次第で、今夜は外食にするか決めよう。Let's decide whether or not to eat out tonight depending on how you're feeling.
Fun-fact
The core meaning of 次第 across its different uses relates to a logical progression or cause and effect. It highlights the factor that leads to a certain result. You can see this same idea in related grammar points such as 次第 meaning 'as soon as', and 次第です, which means 'for that reason' or 'that is why'.
Examples
コーヒーの味は豆次第だ。
The taste of coffee depends on the beans.
友達ができるかどうかは、その人の性格次第だ。
Whether or not you can make friends depends on a person's personality.
値段次第で、買うかもしれません。
Depending on the price, I might buy it.
時間の使い方次第で、人生は大きく変わります。
Depending on how you use your time, your life will change greatly.
この夏、旅行に行けるかどうかはボーナス次第だ。
Whether or not we can go on a trip this summer depends on my bonus.
明日の会議の結果次第で、予定が変更になる可能性があります。
Depending on the outcome of tomorrow's meeting, there's a possibility our plans will change.
晩ご飯をどこで食べるかは、あなた次第だ。
Where we eat dinner depends on you.
見る角度次第で、色が違って見えます。
Depending on the viewing angle, the color looks different.
映画が面白いかどうかは、脚本次第だ。
Whether a movie is interesting or not depends on the script.
人次第では、こういう冗談は失礼にあたる。
Depending on the person, this kind of joke can be offensive.
チームの強さはチームワーク次第だと言ってもいい。
You could even say that a team's strength depends on its teamwork.
成績次第では、昇進も夢じゃない。
Depending on your performance, a promotion isn't out of the question.