次第
As soon as
Structure
[する]Verb + 次第
Explanation
次第 is a noun whose English equivalent can vary based on the word it attaches to. This grammar point will cover its use when following the conjunctive form (masu-stem) of verbs, including する verbs. While technically a noun, it often functions more like a suffix.
In essence, 次第 indicates that something will happen 'immediately after (A)', which is commonly translated as 'as soon as (A)'.- 資料の準備ができ次第、お知らせください。Please let me know as soon as the documents are ready.
- 空港に着き次第、電話してください。Please call me as soon as you get to the airport.
- 新しい住所が決まり次第、教えてくださいね。Let me know as soon as you've decided on a new address, okay?
Fun Fact
A key aspect to remember about 次第 is its core meaning of 'sequence-dependent'. While this concept doesn't have a direct equivalent in English, it conveys that event (B) is contingent on event (A). Let's explore how this nuance changes with different parts of speech.
Verb 次第 - The verb's action dictates when (B) occurs. Because an action itself cannot choose, the completion of (A) automatically triggers (B).
- 部屋の準備ができ次第、お客様をご案内します。I will show the guests to their room as soon as it is ready.
Living Noun 次第 - The noun (a person or living being) determines the outcome of (B). As living beings can make decisions, (B) is dependent on (A)'s choice.
- このチームに入れるかどうかは、キャプテン次第だ。Whether or not you can join this team will depend on the captain.
Inanimate/Abstract Noun 次第 - The noun (a thing or concept) determines the outcome for (B). Because these nouns lack volition, (A) serves as the basis for the course of (B), which often involves a subsequent choice or judgment.
- 試合に勝てるかどうかは、明日の天気次第ですね。Whether or not we can win the match will depend on tomorrow's weather.
Examples
日程が決まり次第、ご連絡します。
I will contact you as soon as the schedule is decided.
荷物が届き次第、中身を確認してください。
Please check the contents as soon as the package arrives.
なくした鍵が見つかり次第、すぐに電話します。
I'll call you right away as soon as I find the lost key.
全員が集まり次第、会議を始めましょう。
Let's start the meeting as soon as everyone has gathered.
詳細を確認し次第、メールをお送りいたします。
I will send an email as soon as I have confirmed the details.
田中さんが戻り次第、こちらに電話をくださるようお伝えください。
Please tell Mr. Tanaka to give me a call as soon as he gets back.
商品が入荷し次第、お電話でご連絡いたします。
We will contact you by phone as soon as the product is in stock.
この商品は、売り切れ次第、販売終了となります。
This product's sale will end as soon as it sells out.
スマホの充電が終わり次第、出かけよう。
Let's head out as soon as the smartphone finishes charging.
空が明るくなり次第、ハイキングを開始します。
We will start the hike as soon as the sky gets light.
材料がそろい次第、料理を始めます。
I'll start cooking as soon as I have all the ingredients.
準備が整い次第、パーティーを始めますので、もう少々お待ちください。
We will start the party as soon as the preparations are complete, so please wait just a little longer.