Processing keyword: ～次第です (〜shidai desu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～次第です (〜shidai desu)

Grammar Point: ～次第です (〜shidai desu)

1. Introduction

The phrase ～次第です (〜shidai desu) is used to indicate that something will happen as soon as another action or event is completed. It expresses a sense of immediacy and is often used in formal or polite contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of this grammar point is as follows:

• Verb (in the ます-form) + 次第です (shidai desu)

Meaning

"次第" (shidai) means "depending on" or "as soon as," and when combined with "です” (desu), it forms a polite expression used to describe events or situations that are contingent on a preceding action.

Structure Formation

• Structure:
  • [Verb in ます-form] + 次第です
    • Example: 準備ができ次第です (junbi ga deki shidai desu) - “As soon as it is ready”

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar grammar points include:

• 〜てから (〜te kara): This indicates that one action occurs after another.
  • Example: ご飯を食べてから、勉強します (Gohan o tabete kara, benkyou shimasu) – "I will study after eating."
• 〜うちに (〜uchi ni): This indicates that an action occurs while a certain condition is true.
  • Example: 雨が降らないうちに、出発しましょう (Ame ga furanai uchi ni, shuppatsu shimashou) – "Let's leave while it’s not raining." Difference: While 〜次第です focuses on immediacy and contingency, 〜てから is sequential and 〜うちに emphasizes the duration of a state.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 資料が届き次第、すぐにお知らせします。
     (Shiryou ga todoki shidai, sugu ni oshirase shimasu.)
     "As soon as the documents arrive, I will inform you immediately."

2. Informal:

   • 仕事が終わり次第、遊びに行こう。
     (Shigoto ga owari shidai, asobi ni ikou.)
     "Let's go hang out as soon as I finish work."

3. Written:

   • 会議の日程が決まり次第、お知らせいたします。
     (Kaigi no nittei ga kimari shidai, oshirase itashimasu.)
     "We will notify you as soon as the meeting schedule is finalized."

4. Spoken:

   • 電話が来次第、連絡しますね。
     (Denwa ga ki shidai, renraku shimasu ne.)
     "I will contact you as soon as the call comes in."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～次第です shows respect for the listener's time and creates an expectation of prompt communication, which aligns with Japanese social norms emphasizing courtesy and consideration.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 何かあればすぐに次第です (Nanika areba sugu ni shidai desu) - "If anything happens, I will let you know right away."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using casually in formal situations: Ensure appropriate usage; 〜次第です is more formal and not suitable for casual conversations.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "next in line" as everything depends on the preceding action, just like passengers boarding a plane one after the other.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The phrase ～次第です indicates events occurring immediately after another.
• It is used mostly in formal contexts to convey a sense of urgency.
• Distinguish between similar phrases such as ～てから and ～うちに.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～次第です express?
2. In what contexts is ～次第です mainly used?
3. Give an example sentence using ～次第です. Feel free to revise the example sentences as per your needs, and practice using the grammar point in different scenarios!