相次いで

• Reading: あいついで
• Romaji: aitsuide
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (ai) — mutual, together; 次 (tsu) — next, follow
• Pronunciation: /a.i.tsɯ.i.de/

Meaning

One after the other; successively; in rapid succession.

An adverbial form derived from the verb 相次ぐ (aitsugu, to follow one after another). Used to describe events happening in close succession, often with a negative connotation such as accidents, scandals, or disasters. Grammatically functions as a te-form connecting clause.

Examples

1. 今年は自然災害が相次いで発生した。 Natural disasters occurred one after another this year.
2. 有名企業の不祥事が相次いで報道されている。 Scandals involving well-known companies are being reported in rapid succession.
3. 新店舗が駅前に相次いでオープンした。 New stores opened one after another in front of the station.

Usage Guide

Context: news, reports, formal writing

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 相 (ai, mutual/each other) + 次ぐ (tsugu, to follow/succeed). The te-form 相次いで became lexicalised as an adverb meaning 'one after another.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal