N2 · Structured courses

～Ikan da: Depends On

Learn ikan da — the formal written version of shidai da for "depends on." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn ikan da — the formal written version of shidai da for "depends on."
  • Form and connection: [Noun（の）] 如何いかんだ
  • Nuance in real use: いかん is a core written Japanese word — high frequency in news, papers, and formal documents. It distills causality to its most concise form: the result of A depends on B.

Form and connection

[Noun（の）] 如何いかんだ

Core Explanation

Learn ikan da — the formal written version of shidai da for "depends on."

Cultural Note

いかん is a core written Japanese word — high frequency in news, papers, and formal documents. It distills causality to its most concise form: the result of A depends on B.

Practical examples

Success depends on your effort.
The result depends on the person's motivation.
Tomorrow's match depends on the weather.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun（の）] 如何いかんだ
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerSuccess depends on your effort.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer明日あしたの試合しあいは天気てんき如何いかんだ。 ([Noun（の）] 如何いかんだ)

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