Translation and Meaning of: 次第 - shidai

The Japanese word 次第[しだい] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal texts. If you are studying Japanese, you may have encountered it in sentences or expressions, but its meaning can vary depending on the situation. In this article, we will explore what 次第 means, how to use it correctly, and what cultural and grammatical details make it so interesting.

Meaning and uses of 次第

次第 can be translated in different ways depending on the context. In its most basic form, it expresses the idea of "depending on" or "according to." For example, if someone says "天気次第でピクニックに行くか決める" (Tenki shidai de pikunikku ni iku ka kimeru), it means that the decision to go or not to the picnic depends on the weather.

Additionally, 次第 can also indicate a sequence or order, as in "手順次第" (tejun shidai), which refers to a step-by-step procedure. This flexibility makes the word useful in both informal situations and more structured contexts, such as documents or instructions.

Origin and structure of kanji

The kanji 次第 is composed of two characters: 次 (meaning "next" or "sequence") and 第 (which can indicate order or degree). Together, they reinforce the idea of something occurring in a specific sequence or that is subject to specific conditions. This composition helps to understand why the word has meanings related to dependence and progression.

It is worth noting that although 次第 is often used in its combined form, the individual kanjis also appear in other words. For example, 次回 (jikai) means "next time," while 第一 (daiichi) means "first place." Knowing these radicals can make it easier to memorize and understand related .

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 次第 is a common word both in speech and writing, especially in situations that require flexibility or planning. Companies and institutions often use it to indicate that certain actions are contingent on external factors, such as "状況次第" (jōkyō shidai), which means "depending on the situation."

Interestingly, 次第 also appears in more philosophical expressions, reflecting the Japanese mindset of adaptability. The idea that something can change according to circumstances is deeply rooted in the culture, which explains why this word is so prevalent in everyday vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 如何 (ikaga) - How; in what way
• 依次 (yīcì) - One after the other; consecutively
• 随着 (suízhe) - As; according to
• 随着...的发展 (suízhe...de fāzhǎn) - With the development of...
• 随着...的变化 (suízhe...de biànhuà) - With the changes of...
• 随着...的进展 (suízhe...de jìnzhǎn) - With the progress of...
• 随着...的进步 (suízhe...de jìnbù) - With the advancements of...
• 随着...的发生 (suízhe...de fāshēng) - With the occurrence of...
• 随着...的发生情况 (suízhe...de fāshēng qíngkuàng) - With the occurrence of...
• 随着...的发展情况 (suízhe...de fāzhǎn qíngkuàng) - With the development situation of...
• 随着...的变化情况 (suízhe...de biànhuà qíngkuàng) - With the changing situation of...
• 随着...的进展情况 (suízhe...de jìnzhǎn qíngkuàng) - With the progress situation of...
• 随着...的进步情况 (suízhe...de jìnbù qíngkuàng) - With the situation of advancement of...