Japatan
Formation
- Vます形 + 次第
- N(する動詞の名詞) + 次第
Explanation
Means "as soon as A is done, B will be done." It is common in formal or business contexts such as announcements. The second clause expresses a future action, suggestion or request (I will contact you, please call). The second clause cannot describe a past event or something that happens naturally, beyond anyone's control.
Examples
結果が 分かり次第、すぐにご連絡します。
We will contact you as soon as we know the results.
準備が でき次第、出発しましょう。
Let's leave as soon as we're ready.
空港に 到着次第、お電話ください。
Please call me as soon as you arrive at the airport.
新しい部品が 届き次第、修理を始めます。
We will start the repair as soon as the new part arrives.
Notes
It cannot be used when the second clause is a single past event or something beyond anyone's control; use とすぐ or たとたん instead. Do not confuse it with 次第で ("depending on").
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1雨が（ ）次第、試合を再開します。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 やみ
"We will resume the game as soon as the rain stops." 次第 attaches to the ます-stem: やみ次第.
2「次第」の使い方が正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 詳しいことが決まり次第、みなさんにお知らせします。
2 is correct: "We will let everyone know as soon as the details are decided." 1 and 3 describe the past; 4 is wrong because 次第 does not attach to adjectives.
3担当者が戻り（ ）、こちらからお電話いたします。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 4 次第
"We will call you as soon as the person in charge returns." Only 次第 gives the meaning "as soon as."
