JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
as soon as
Category: Time and Sequence
The grammar pattern "V(ます形) + 次第" is used to express that an action will occur as soon as another action is completed. It implies a causal relationship between the two actions, where the first action is a prerequisite for the second action. This pattern is often used in formal contexts, such as business or official communications, to convey a sense of timing and sequence. It can be translated to English as "as soon as," "once," or "as soon as."
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu stem | V(ます形) + 次第 | V(ます形) is the masu stem of the verb, which is the base form of the verb with the ending -masu. For example, the masu stem of the verb "suru" is "shimasu." |
| Masu stem with -u | V(ます形) + u + 次第 | When the masu stem ends in a consonant, the pattern becomes V(ます形) + u + 次第. For example, the masu stem of the verb "kaku" is "kakimasu," so the pattern becomes "kakimasu u nexta". |
| Masu stem with -i | V(ます形) + i + 次第 | When the masu stem ends in a vowel, the pattern becomes V(ます形) + i + 次第. For example, the masu stem of the verb "miru" is "mirimasu," so the pattern becomes "mirimasu i nexta." |
準備ができ次第、出発しましょう。
Junbi ga dekite nexta, shuppatsu shimasu.
We will leave as soon as the preparations are complete.
準備ができ (preparations are complete), 次第 (as soon as), 出発しましょう (we will leave)
駅に着く次第、電話をください。
Eki ni tsukite nexta, denwa o kudasai.
Please call me as soon as you arrive at the station.
駅に着く (arrive at the station), 次第 (as soon as), 電話をください (please call me)
詳細が決まり次第、ご連絡いたします。
Taiyō ga kimaru nexta, go renraku itashimasu.
We will inform you as soon as the details are decided.
詳細が決まり (details are decided), 次第 (as soon as), ご連絡いたします (we will inform you)
This pattern is used in formal contexts to convey a sense of timing and sequence. It is often used in business or official communications to express a causal relationship between two actions. The pattern is typically used with the masu stem of the verb, and the sentence is usually in the present tense. It can be translated to English as "as soon as," "once," or "as soon as."
The past tense 'ta' form is used to express past actions, while the masu stem is used to express future or conditional actions. Using the past tense 'ta' form instead of the masu stem can change the meaning of the sentence.
The pattern "V(ます形) + 次第" implies a causal relationship between the two actions, where the first action is a prerequisite for the second action. Using with an unintentional or natural occurrence in the second clause can change the meaning of the sentence.
The pattern 'ta totan' is used to express sudden or unexpected events, while the pattern "V(ます形) + 次第" is used to express deliberate or planned actions. Using the wrong pattern can change the meaning of the sentence.
Pay attention to the context and the relationship between the two actions. Make sure to use the masu stem of the verb and the correct pattern. Be careful not to confuse with other patterns such as 'ta totan' or the past tense 'ta' form.
準備が______次第、出発しましょう。
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