Translation and Meaning of: では - deha
The Japanese word では (dewa) is an essential particle in the language, often used in everyday conversations and formal situations. If you are learning Japanese, understanding its meaning, usage, and context can be key to sounding more natural. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural nuances, including practical tips for memorization and examples of how it appears in Japanese media. Whether for study or curiosity, Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, is here to help.
Meaning and use of では
では is a particle that generally functions as a marker of transition or contrast, similar to "then" or "well." It can start a sentence to change the subject or introduce a conclusion. For example, in formal situations, it is common to hear では、始めましょう (dewa, hajimemashou) – "Then, let's begin."
In addition, では can also indicate a subtle contrast, as in 東京では雪が降っていますが、大阪では降っていません (It is snowing in Tokyo, but it is not in Osaka). This usage shows how the word helps connect opposing ideas or different geographical and situational contexts.
Origin and grammatical structure
The particle では is formed by the combination of で (instrumental/locative particle) and は (topic particle). Originally, this combination emerged to indicate a specific context where an action occurs, but over time, it gained broader functions. It is a classic example of how Japanese particles evolve to take on multiple meanings.
It is worth noting that in some regional dialects, such as that of Kansai, では can be replaced by やで (yade) without losing the meaning. However, in standard language (hyōjungo), the form では is the most accepted in formal and educational settings.
Tips for memorizing and using correctly
An effective way to reinforce the use of では is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of work meetings or classes, where it often appears to initiate an activity. Phrases like では、今日の議題に入りましょう (dewa, kyō no gidai ni hairimashou) – "So, let's move on to today's topic" – are great for practice.
Another tip is to observe its use in animes and dramas. Series like "Shirokuma Café" or "Terrace House" naturally employ では in dialogues, especially when the characters are wrapping up a topic or moving on to another. Paying attention to these contexts helps internalize the sound and rhythm of the word.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- では (dewa) - Então / Nesse caso
- それでは (sore dewa) - Nesse caso / Então
- それじゃ (sore ja) - Então / Nesse caso (mais informal)
- それじゃあ (sore jaa) - So / In that case (more informal, with emphasis)
- ではでは (dewa dewa) - Então (enfatizando)
- ではありません (dewa arimasen) - It's not / It's not
- ではありませんが (dewa arimasen ga) - It's not, but...
- ではございません (dewa gozaimasen) - It's not (more polite form)
- ではございますが (dewa gozaimasen ga) - É, mas... (forma polida)
- ではございますけれども (dewa gozaimasu keredomo) - It is, however... (polite and more formal form)
- ではございませんけれども (dewa gozaimasen keredomo) - It's not, however... (polite and more formal form)
Related words
ataru
be hit; succeed; face; lying down (towards); undertake; deal with; be equivalent to; apply to; be applicable; be designated.
Romaji: deha
Kana: では
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: then; good; then; well then
Meaning in English: then;well;so;well then
Definition: teeth conjunction. Used when you attribute a condition to something and state the result.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (では) deha
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (では) deha:
Example Sentences - (では) deha
See below some example sentences:
Warui koto o shite wa ikemasen
Don't do bad things.
Don't do bad things.
- 悪い - It means "bad" or "evil" in Japanese.
- こと - means "thing" or "matter" in Japanese.
- を - It is a *particle* in Japanese, used to mark the direct object of a sentence.
- して - It is the form of the verb "suru" (to do) in gerund in Japanese.
- は - It is a "partícula" of topic in Japanese, used to mark the main subject of the sentence.
- いけません - It is a polite form of the verb "iku" (to go) in Japanese, used to express a prohibition or a negative obligation.
Nobuite wa ikemasen
It should not be postponed.
Don't extend.
- 延いて - verb 延びる (nobiru) in gerund
- は - Topic marking particle
- いけません - verb 行けない (ikenai) in the negative form
Gakureki wa jinsei o kimeru wake de wa nai
Academics do not determine life.
Educational formation does not determine life.
- 学歴 - means "school report" or "academic formation".
- は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "学歴".
- 人生 - means "human life."
- を - object particle that indicates that "人生" is the direct object of the sentence.
- 決める - verb that means "to decide" or "to determine".
- わけ - noun that means "reason" or "motive".
- ではない - negative expression that means "it isn't."
Deau wa guuzen de wa naku hitsuzen da to shinjiteimasu
I believe that meeting someone is not a coincidence
I believe that the meeting is inevitable, not accidental.
- 出会う (deau) - met up
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 偶然 (guuzen) - chance, coincidence
- ではなく (dewanaku) - Não é
- 必然 (hitsuzen) - inevitable, necessary
- だと (dato) - it is said that
- 信じています (shinjiteimasu) - I believe
Kono chiiki no jinkou bunpu wa kintou de wa arimasen
The population distribution in this region is not uniform.
The population distribution in this area is not equal.
- この - Japanese word meaning "this"
- 地域 - Japanese word meaning "region"
- の - Japanese particle indicating possession or belonging
- 人口 - Japanese word meaning "population"
- 分布 - Japanese word meaning "distribution"
- は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
- 均等 - Japanese word meaning "uniform" or "the same"
- で - Japanese particle indicating the means or method
- は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
- ありません - Japanese verb meaning "does not exist" or "is not"
Kono aidea wo genjitsu ni atehameru koto ga dekimasu ka?
Can we apply this idea in reality?
Can you apply this idea to reality?
- この - this
- アイデア - idea
- を - direct object particle
- 現実 - reality
- に - Location particle
- 当てはめる - apply, fit
- こと - noun maker
- が - subject particle
- できます - Be able to
- か - interrogative particle
Watashi wa gyouin de wa arimasen
I am not a bank employee.
I'm not an employee.
- Input - - - indicates that the input text will be presented next.
- 私 - - - word in Japanese that means "I".
- は - - - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "I".
- 行員 - - - The word in Japanese that means "bank employee."
- ではありません - - - expression in Japanese that means "it's not".
- . - - period at the end of the sentence.
- Output - - - indicates that the result of the translation of the input text will be presented next.
Ikenai koto o shite wa ikemasen
Don't do anything you can't do.
- いけない - not allowed
- こと - thing
- を - object particle
- して - doing
- は - Topic particle
- いけません - should not be done
Elegant na doresu wo kite paatii ni ikimasu
I go to a party wearing an elegant dress.
- エレガントな - elegant
- ドレス - dress
- を - direct object particle
- 着て - dressing (gerund verb)
- パーティー - party
- に - target particle
- 行きます - go
Kono yōseki wa jūbun de wa arimasen
This volume is not enough.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 容積 - noun meaning "volume" or "capacity"
- は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
- 十分 - Adjective that means "sufficient" or "adequate"
- ではありません - negative expression meaning "is not"
Other Words of this Type: adverb
See other words from our dictionary that are also: adverb
